J. Gatlin clinches Diamond League 100m

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  • Justin Gatlin on his way to equalling the sixth fastest time in history in Doha.

    Justin Gatlin cruised to victory in the 100 metres at the first Diamond League meeting of the year in Doha, recording the sixth fastest time in history. 

    Gatlin got off to a tonic start and pulled clear with 20 metres to go, finishing in 9.74 – also a new personal best for the American. Michael Rodgers was 0.18 back in second and Trinidad and Tobago’s Keston Bledman (10.01) was third.

    “I just wanted to make sure I put down a good time. My job was to come out and run fast and hard and that’s what I did,” said Gatlin.

    “You know I was in Jamaica a few weeks ago and saw Asafa Powell run a good time, and this influenced me to push it hard tonight. That’s what I wanted to do and make a statement for the year ahead.

    “I have to go on to China now at the World Championships and make sure I do the same there,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Mo Farah got the biggest cheer of the evening despite finishing second in the 3000m. He was 0.14 behind Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhihwet (7:38.08) in what was a strong field.

    Speaking after the race, Farah was disappointed with the finish but believes it was a chance to test himself against a competitive field.

    “I looked a little bit flat. I wasn’t in control as normal. Its early season and there’s plenty of things I need to work on,” he said. “It was hard. It was a strong field and I had the opportunity to test myself.”

    “I honestly thought I was going pretty quick but speaking to the guys after they said it wasn’t that quick. It shows that I’m just human and I can be beaten.”

    Elsewhere, America’s Bershawn Jackson extended his superb form, clocking 48.09 to triumph in the 400m Hurdles.

    Javier Culson was second in 48.96, 0.03 seconds ahead of Ireland’s Thomas Barr.

    In the women’s 200m, Gatlin’s compatriot Allyson Felix set a new meeting record, powering to victory in a time of 21.98.

    The 29-year-old looked in convincing form as she comfortably evaded her competitors with 100m to go. In the home straight she looked relaxed, clocking a time which she didn’t expect for this stage of the year.

    “I surprised myself a bit with the time tonight. I’m trying to focus on a few specific things in the race but I’m pleased where I’m at now,” said Felix.

    “Since the 100m in Jamaica a few weeks ago I knew my speed was up so I need to keep working hard in preparation for Beijing in August.”

    Murielle Ahoure (22.29) of Ivory Coast took second, while Anthonique Strachan (22.69) crossed the line in third.

    Another American Jasmin Stowers (12.35) won the women’s 100m hurdles, with teammate Sharika Nelvis (12.54) in second.

    Qatar’s Abdalleleh Haroun continued his dominance in the 400m as he ran 44.85 – his third time running 44 seconds this year.

    The 18-year-old emphatically beat Abubakar Abbas (46.09) and Youssef Mohammad Taher (46.27) into second and third to extend his tremendous record this year.

    “I enjoyed the race. It’s not my best time but I’m happy. I’m just trying to get comfortable on track and do my best,” said Haroun.

    The popular Ayanle Souleiman was among the winners in the 800m. The Djibouti athlete ran 1min 43mins – just off his personal best.

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