Su bags silver as golden Gong soars in Shanghai
China’s Su Bintian (second left) finishes second in the 100-meter sprint during the Shanghai leg of the IAAF Diamond League at Shanghai Stadium on Saturday. American world champion Justin Gatlin (second right) finished a disappointing seventh in the race won by Briton Reece Prescod.
Father-to-be Su Bintian said he was happy with his performance after winning the silver medal in the 100-meter dash at the rainy IAAF Diamond League Shanghai leg over the weekend.
The reigning Asian champion showed just how snared the world indoors 60m silver in March, as he led through the first half of the race — the finale of the competition staged at Shanghai Stadium on Saturday. However, the Chinese ace couldn’t match Reece Prescod’s closing speed, with the Briton claiming a maiden Diamond League win in 10.04 seconds.
Su had to settle for silver in 10.05. Compatriot Xie Zhenye (10.17) finished third, with world champion Justin Gatlin (10.20) of the US ending up just seventh.
“When I saw the rain tonight I thought, yes!” Prescod, 22, said. “I train in these conditions all the time in the East Midlands (in England).”
Su said he had a slight soft tissue injury in his foot. The 28-year-old will become a father in about 2 months.
Gong Lijiao of China reacts after winning the women’s shot put event.
“Today’s entry list was a strong one if you look at everybody’s personal best,” said Su. “But no one can achieve his best every time. For me, the 10.05 time already surpassed my expectations, as I presumed I would be a bit faster than 10.09. The rain affected the race a little, and we were running against the wind. But the result has boosted my confidence for future races.”
China pocketed 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals from the 16 disciplines.
Shot put world champion Gong Lijiao was in control of the contest from start to finish. Any of the four marks she recorded would have been enough for victory.
Gong’s best came in Round 2, as she went out in a world-leading 19.99 meters, 1.29 meters better than recently crowned Commonwealth champion Danniel Thomas-Dodd of Jamaica.
“I wanted to break 20 meters. It’s a pity I fell short‚“ aid the ambitious Gong.
Lu Huihui won the women’s javelin with a season-best 66.85m. Shi Yuhao took silver in the men’s long jump and Xue Changrui placed third in the pole vault.
