ADVERTISEMENT

Elaine Thompson beats Dafne Schippers in Diamond League

___5476085___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___5476085___2016___9___10___8___elainethompson-cropped_16vg35cgzmi2m1wm1lyojc16c4_2

The Jamaican completed the 100 and 200m sprint double at the Rio Games last month and added the Diamond League title by crossing the line in first place on Friday, runner-up Schippers 0.25 seconds behind.

Thompson's winning time of 10.72secs matched the meet record set by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce three years ago.

"Honestly I wanted faster this year, but OK, I won. Now I can go finally back home," Thompson said. "I keep on smiling, because this season was really great. If I have to summarise it in one word: Wonderful!"

The women's pole vault was one of five events already decided coming into Friday's meet but there was still high drama as American Sandi Morris cleared 5.00m - the second highest jump of all time behind Yelena Isinbayeva's 5.06m from 2009.

ADVERTISEMENT

Morris attempted to break that record but failed all three attempts at 5.07m.

In the men's high jump, Erik Kynard prevailed in a four-way battle involving Bohdan Bondarenko, Robbie Grabarz and Mutaz Essa Barshim. The latter pair matched Kynard's best leap of 2.32m but it was the American who secured the points he needed.

In the women's 400m, Eilidh Doyle came into the final race of the season with a six-point lead over Cassandra Tate, but it was the latter who prevailed, winning in a season's best 54.47 to take the title, while Doyle could only manage fifth place and was forced to settle for second overall.

Stephenie-Ann McPherson needed to finish above Natasha Hastings to clinch glory in the 400m and managed just that, coming home third while her rival could only place fifth in a race won by Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya, in a personal best 50.40.

Asbel Kiprop and Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich did enough to hold off their rivals in the men's 1500 and 800m, while Fabrice Lapierre's leap of 8.17m was good enough for second place in the long jump and first overall, Gao Xinglong only managing 7.98.

ADVERTISEMENT

Almaz Ayana and Madara Palameika did the little that was required to confirm their respective wins in the women's 5000m and javelin, as did Piotr Malachowski in the men's discus.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT