Simbine over Prescod in 100m battle and surprise one-lap win for Nene 

Simbine over Prescod in 100m battle

Olympic fourth-placer, Akani Simbine of South Africa took the win in the men’s 100m with a solid 10.03 clocking. 

The 29-year-old - who was victorious in Stockholm twelve months ago - improved on second position in Rabat back in May to cross the line clear of Great Britain’s Reece Prescod (10.14). 

Simbine explained afterwards:

“It seems like a good season towards the World Championships - I am satisfied with the results and the training so far. I just wanted the win here and I got it so I’m glad at the moment and let´s go building up on it.

“In such conditions, I think the time was fast. If the conditions are ideal, it means it could be a very very fast time - somewhere around my PB but we leave that for the World Championships. I have a two-week break now so I will go back to training and then get ready for the Silesia Diamond League.”

Surprise one-lap win for Nene 

Zakithi Nene of South Africa caused an upset while taking the honours in the men’s 400m with 45.30. Only seventh in Oslo, the 25-year-old finished ahead of NCAA champion, Emmanuel Bambidele of Nigeria who clocked 45.48.

“I came into the race after a couple of days of sickness so that was very unexpected,” Nene revealed.

“To win my first Diamond League is very exciting in front of my friends and family. I am not sure what will be next as I need to sit down with my coach after today and analyse the race. I have been consistently running 45 lows, which is great especially when the weather is bad like today. It was really terrible out there and quite tricky but I am from Durban so I am used to it - this is what I train in so maybe that helped me a bit.”

Ethiopian women dominate the 1500m  

Ethiopian trio Freweyni Hailu, Diribe Welteji and Hirut Meshesha showcased a masterclass in team tactics to secure the top three positions in the women’s 1500m.

Hailu - the Olympic and world fourth place finisher - registered 4:02.31 to claim the victory after third and second spot in Doha and Rabat, respectively.  

Her compatriots, Diribe Welteji (4:02.79) - fourth in the world 800m final last year - and world indoor 3,000m bronze medalist, Hirut Meshesha (4:03.01) ensured the Ethiopian stranglehold on the race continued until the finish-line. 

“I am very grateful for this victory and also for my compatriots finishing so well,” said Hailu. 

“The victory is great but the competition was not ideal due to the weather, but we have to adapt to all conditions. I believe in more victories to come this season.”