Gatlin sets fastest 100 time this year

American Justin Gatlin cruised to victory in the 100 meters in 9.92 seconds at the Shanghai Diamond League, the best time in the world this year.

Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic champion, got off to a solid start and pulled away from the field after 60 meters, finishing 0.2 seconds ahead of Jamaica’s Nesta Carter in second. American Michael Rodgers was third.

“I have much more left in the tank,” Gatlin said. “I cruised at 9.92 with no wind. I felt I made it look easy.” 

Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare got a double victory, winning the women’s long jump with a leap of 6.86 meters on her first attempt and then capturing the 200 metres in 22.36 seconds.

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who won the 100 metres last week at the season-opening Diamond League meet in Doha, Qatar, did not start the race due to a shin injury.

Chinese hurdler and home favourite Xie Wenjun caused an upset in the 110 metre hurdles in beating world champion David Oliver with a personal-best time of 13.23 seconds.