Simbine takes third at Shanghai Diamond League

South African sprinter Akani Simbine made a strong start to his international season with a third place finish in the mens 100m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai.

Ahead of him were Americans Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman with a photo finish needed to separate the pair, who are currently favourites to take gold and silver at the World Championships in Doha later this season.

Simbine's coach had outlined the runner's desire for a strong start to his season in Shanghai. Simbine was among four runners in the field to dip below the 10 second mark.

Lyles launched himself from near the back of the field to beat fellow countryman Coleman by just 0.006secs in the second Diamond League meeting of the season. His time was blistering 9.86sec was the fastest mark this year and his own personal best, and lays down the gauntlet ahead of the world championships.

21-year-old Lyles is part of a new generation of American sprinters and ducked to the line with a glance to his left to Coleman. A photo finish confirmed he had won.

Lyles said: In pre-season I'd taken a couple of losses, a couple of second places, even on my home track, so I really wanted to come out here and told my coach I wanted to do something.

I told him that today is the day, today is the day we put it all together.

In other events South Africa's Clarence Munyai claimed third in the men's 200m with a season best time of 20.37s.

Ruswahl Samaai also finished third in the men's long jump with compatriot Zarck Visser ending sixth.

35-year-old javelin thrower Sunette Viljoen finished eighth in a field of nine women.

The next meeting, where Wayde van Niekerk is expected to return to international running, will take place in Stockholm starting on 30 May.

Tags: athleticsIAAF Diamond League

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