Trinidad and Tobago track star, Kelly-Ann Baptiste scorched the track in 11.05 seconds to capture the IAAF / VTB Bank Continental Cup women's 100 metres title, in Split, Croatia, last Saturday.

The Continental Cup replaces the IAAF World Cup in Athletics, which was last staged in 2006.

Baptiste became the first T&T woman to compete at the World Cup/Continental Cup, and she ensured it was a memorable first for her country, the Florida-based sprinter claiming top spot in the century.

Baptiste, the national record holder at 10.84 seconds, led a one-two finish for the Americas team, beating training partner Shalonda Solomon, of the United States, into second spot. Solomon got to the line in 11.09, while third-placed Blessing Okagbare, representing Africa, clocked 11.14.

Okagbare held the early advantage, but Baptiste battled back, seizing the lead and grabbing gold.

"I didn't feel any pressure before the start," said Baptiste. "I knew I would run a good race."

Baptiste returned to the track to anchor a multi-national Americas team to gold in the women's 4x100m relay. Cayman Islands sprinter Cydonie Mothersill ran the leadoff leg, handing the baton to Bahamian Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie. Solomon performed third leg duties, getting the stick safely to Baptiste, who completed the victory.

Americas returned a time of 43.07 seconds to finish well ahead of Europe (43.77), Africa (43.88) and Asia-Pacific (44.54).

Americas also captured the men's sprint relay title, Antiguan Daniel Bailey, Americans Wallace Spearmon and Tyson Gay, and Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles combining for a 38.25 seconds clocking.

Christophe Lemaitre won the men's 100m title for Europe, the French sprinter getting home in 10.06 seconds. Bailey (10.10) seized silver, while Great Britain/Europe sprinter Mark Lewis-Francis (10.16) bagged bronze.