Invitational Track Classic ... and to the relief of meet officials, none of this involved Nick-Cole DeSilva.

The enigmatic sprinter, in published reports, had vowed to defy an 18-month ban imposed on him for a violent outburst at last year's event, but although in attendance, he was humbly tucked amongst others viewing the proceedings.

It was thus left for those competing to take their rightful position in the spotlight, with the major accomplishments being that three athletes were able to attain qualifying times for the Junior Pan Am Games to be held next month in Manitoba, Canada.

Leading the way was high jumper Stephen Woodley, who scaled the bar at six feet, eight-and-three-quarter inches (2.05 metres) in winning the event. He also qualified for the Central American and Caribbean Games set for Cali, Colombia.

Woodley, one of the Island's brightest young hopes, defeated close rival Rohaan Simons. Simons cleared 6-63 (2.0 metres) -- good enough for the Junior Pan Ams -- but failed in three attempts at 6-83 .

Aside from the two high jumpers, Devon Bean was able to book himself a spot in the triple jump on the tails of a personal best leap of 48-101 (14.9 metres), beating off the challenges of Simons and Donte Hunt.

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 5,000 metres battle, involving Marathon Derby champion Kavin Smith, Jay Donawa and Terrance Armstrong, did not disappoint as the three hooked up in a tactical battle.

For 10 laps the trio ran stride for stride, neither willing to reveal their hand, until Smith made a surge, to which Armstrong responded.

The Rider College student used the bell lap to pull ahead on the backstretch, but Donawa, who had dropped off earlier, attempted a late charge. Donawa overtook a tiring Smith on the final bend and set his sights on Armstrong, but a strong final kick by the latter removed any notion of more dramatics.

"I was hoping for someone to make the first move,'' said Armstrong. "I was tired of running from the front.

"It made it interesting when Kavin went, but I knew I was able to go with him. I was running flat on my heels, and when he moved out I got up on my toes and stepped it up.

"I'm just glad to be in Bermuda and have the chance for the people to see me perform.'' Donawa, meanwhile, admitted that it was a lapse in concentration that cost him to have to expend extra energy in closing the gap created when Smith and Armstrong increased the pace.

He noted that this was his first race since March, but conceded that Armstrong was the better man...at least on this day.

"It was a good effort,'' said Donawa, currently on a break from studies at Washington State. "I can't be satisfied with the fact that I came second.

"I just basically lost concentration and let them get away from me, but this still gives me a good indication of where my training is.

"I'm gearing for the CAC Games...where I aim to go for the gold.'' Of major interest were the sprints, and young Keena Trott emphasised her ability, overpowering highly fancied American Geneva Pugh, of Morgan State University, in a photo finish for the 100 metres.

Trott scorched home in 12.6 seconds, the same time as Pugh, but was awarded the victory.

Atiba Tucker duplicated that feat on the men's side as he strode in at 10.82, followed by Keivon Richardson (11.0) and Jermel Belboda (11.0).

Another visitor, Derry Pemberton shot out of the blocks for the men's 400 metres, but in the end barely held off the charges of Sharif Taylor and Tony Bean. Pemberton won in 49.3, with Taylor and Bean second and third respectively, both clocking 49.8.

Among the primary school events, the boys over 10 400 metres, for excitement, equalled those of the seniors. Jelani Scott and Spencer Butterfield hooked up in an intriguing tussle that Scott emerged from ahead, his time of 1:02.6 one second faster than that of Butterfield's.

STEPHEN WOODLEY -- Qualified for Junior Pan Am Games and CAC Games last night at National Stadium.