Leotlela edges Omanyala and Bednarek in thrilling 100m finish at Shanghai Diamond League

South Africa's Gift Leotlela produced a late surge to claim a narrow photo-finish victory over Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala and American Kenny Bednarek in the 100 metres at the Shanghai Diamond League on Saturday, while Mondo Duplantis came up short in another bid to surpass his own pole vault world record.

Leotlela crossed the line in 9.97 seconds to seal his first Diamond League victory ahead of Omanyala and Bednarek, the two-time Olympic 200m medallist.

"It means a lot... I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong," said the 28-year-old, who had finished fifth at last year's World Championships.

In the women's 200m, Jamaica's Shericka Jackson powered past two-time Olympic 400m champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas to take the win, with Anavia Battle coming third and fellow American Sha'Carri Richardson — silver medallist in the 100m at the Paris Games — finishing fourth. American Olympic champion Masai Russell dominated the women's 100m hurdles in 12.25 seconds, the quickest time recorded globally this year, while in the men's 110m hurdles, world champion Cordell Tinch was beaten by compatriot Jamal Britt.

Duplantis comfortably won the pole vault competition, with his nearest challenger Kurtis Marschall exiting at 5.80m. The 25-year-old Swede cleared 6.12m without difficulty before setting his sights on 6.32m, which would have bettered his 6.31m world record set in March and constituted his 16th all-time record. He dislodged the bar on his first two attempts and fell short on the 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," said Duplantis.

The Netherlands' Jessica Schilder claimed the women's shot put with an impressive throw of 21.09m, edging out two-time world champion Chase Jackson. Ireland's Mark English navigated a congested finish to take the men's 800m, holding off Kethobogile Haingura and Brandon Miller as the field bunched together approaching the line.

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon made a serene start to her outdoor season, winning the 5000m in 14 minutes and 24.14 seconds — the fastest time in the world this year.

"I feel so good, it was a good race. A positive season opener," said Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic 1500m champion who also claimed silver in the 5000m at the Paris Games.

"I'm going to continue to do both 1,500m and 5,000m... I just want to be the best version of myself and see how I perform."

SportsLigue