Anju promises a better show in finals

Anju Bobby George leaped an average 6.41 metre to manage a berth in the long jump finals but expressed confidence to put up a better show in the main event for a podium finish.

"My first jump was good and I am happy to qualify. I am confident of doing better in the final," she said.

Anju, who performed below her season's best, got a back door entry into the finals as the qualification mark was set at 6.50 metres, failing which the top 12 get chance to vie for top honours.

Anju, whose best effort this season was 6.47 m in the recent Federation Cup at New Delhi, finished an overall sixth in the heats.

The Manchester Games bronze medallist, who is the oldest long jumper in the fray, lunged 6.38m in her first two attempts before improving by three centimetres in her final effort.

Elva Goulborne of Jamaica led the field in Anju's group lunging 6.55m and finished second overall after home favourite Bronwyn Thompson, who cleared 6.71 meters competing in the other pool.

Englishwoman Jade Johnson (6.52m), local challenger Kerri Taurina (6.48m), and Jacqueline Edwards of Bahamas (6.42m) also left Anju behind in the qualification round.