Guliyev triumphs in sunny Oslo after steeplechase chaos

LONDON: World champion Ramil Guliyev made it two wins in three days over 200 metres - in wildly contrasting conditions - when he delivered his trademark strong finish to triumph in the Oslo Diamond League’s Bislett Games on Thursday.

On Tuesday the Turk overcame freezing conditions and strong winds to win in Turku, Finland in 20.23 seconds but on a lovely sunny evening in Norway he powered home in 19.90.

Canada’s Aaron Brown dipped under 20 seconds for the first time in his career in taking second in 19.98.

“Great stadium, great public, nice weather - in such conditions you can only run well,” said Guliyev.

“I’d been hoping to go faster but I’ve had a few setbacks. I’ll definitely run the 200 at the European championships and my goal is to break Pietro Mennea’s European record (19.72 set in 1979).”

Murielle Ahoure of the Ivory Coast showed the starting prowess that helped her to the world indoor title this year to take the women’s 100metres in 10.91, holding off fast-finishing Dina Asher- Smith whose 10.92 smashed her own United Kingdom record of 10.99, set three years ago.

There was a chaotic women’s 3000m steeplechase where one of the barriers was set at the men’s height. Officials scrambled to adjust it mid-race, at one point the field hurdling it after it had been lowered at one end but left too high at the other, with several athletes falling over the sloping bar. — AFP