Akani Simbine showcased an impressive late surge to clinch victory in the 100 meters with a time of 10.01 seconds at the Diamond League meet in China on Saturday, outshining American former world champions Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley.

While Coleman exhibited blazing speed off the blocks, having held the world record in the 60 meters, and led for the majority of the race, he ultimately settled for second place with a season-best time of 10.04 seconds. Kerley secured third place with a time of 10.11 seconds.

Initially hyped as a showdown between the two American athletes, who went head-to-head in consecutive weekends in China, Simbine of South Africa demonstrated remarkable prowess, overtaking them in the final 20 meters of the race.

Reflecting on the outcome, Coleman expressed satisfaction with his performance, emphasizing its role in his preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics, slated to commence in late July.

Meanwhile, pole vault sensation Armand Duplantis made attempts at world records in consecutive meets but failed to clear all three attempts at 6.25 meters in Suzhou, near Shanghai. Last weekend, Duplantis set a new world record of 6.24 meters in Xiamen.

In the women’s events, 100-meter world champion Sha’Carri Richardson faced another setback in the 200 meters during her two-week stint in China. Placing third with a time of 23.11 seconds, Richardson trailed behind Daryll Neita, who secured first place in 22.62 seconds, and Anavia Battle, who finished second with a time of 22.99 seconds.

The women’s 100-meter hurdles race witnessed a controversial finish, with Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn declared the winner in a photo finish over world record-holder Tobi Amusan. Amusan, initially allowed to run under protest, was ultimately disqualified for a false start.

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