Mondo Duplantis and Shericka Jackson secure Shanghai Diamond League wins
Swedish pole vault star Mondo Duplantis and Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson secured impressive victories as the Diamond League season commenced in Shanghai.
Duplantis misses out on world record
The Olympic champion triumphed in the pole vault after comfortably clearing 6.12m on the opening night of the athletics calendar.
His closest rival was Kurtis Marschall, who exited the competition after managing a height of 5.80m.
Having secured the event win, the 24-year-old attempted to vault 6.32m to break his own world record, but clipped the bar in his first two attempts before falling well short on his third.
“The attempt at the world record was okay, I wish I could improve the run-up, the approach, speed and energy and then it will be good.”
Leotlela edges men’s 100m thriller
In the men’s 100m, South African sprinter Gift Leotlela claimed his maiden Diamond League victory with a rapid time of 9.97 seconds.
The 28-year-old surged late to win a dramatic photo finish against Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala and American Olympic medallist Kenny Bednarek.
“I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong.”
Jackson and Kipyegon shine on the track
Reigning world champion Shericka Jackson dominated the women’s 200m sprint, comfortably beating two-time Olympic 400m gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
American star Sha’Carri Richardson missed out on a podium spot in fourth, while Great Britain’s Amy Hunt finished down in fifth position.
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon demonstrated her enduring class by winning her first outdoor 5000m race of the year in a world-leading time of 14 minutes and 24.14 seconds.
“I feel so good, it was a good race. A positive season opener.”
Russell sets world-leading hurdles pace
American Olympic champion Masai Russell delivered a statement performance in the women’s 100m hurdles, crossing the line in 12.25 seconds to set the fastest time in the world this year.
Elsewhere, Jamal Britt caused an upset by defeating fellow American and world champion Cordell Tinch in the men’s 110m hurdles.
Ireland’s Mark English emerged victorious from a crowded pack to win the men’s 800m, while the Netherlands’ Jessica Schilder threw an impressive 21.09m to win the women’s shot put.