World C’ship flops bounce back to scoop Diamond League prizes

BRUSSELS: It was a night of consolation for three world championship failures as Elaine Thompson (pic), Nijel Amos and Shaunae Miller-Uibo secured titles and US$50,000 (RM214,000) prize money in the Diamond League final in Brussels.

Jamaican Thompson arrived in London last month as hot favourite to add the world 100m title to her Olympic gold from Rio last year but after cruising through the rounds, she struggled in the final and managed only fifth.

She trailed again on a chilly night in Brussels on Friday as Marie Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast led with 70m remaining.

In London, Ta Lou lost on the line to American Tori Bowie and this time it was Thompson who blasted past in the final stages to win in 10.92. Ta Lou clocked 10.93 with Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor of Nigeria third in 11.07.

Amos has had a similarly consistent season before a major blip in London and he was also back to his best when producing a strong run to win the 800m title in 1:44.53.

The 2012 Olympic silver medallist from Botswana was off the pace when finishing fifth in the world final but looked powerful after hitting the front 300m out, holding off London silver medallist Adam Kszczot, who was caught on the line for second by fellow Pole Marcin Lewandowski.

France’s surprise world champion Pierre-Ambroise Bosse was a notable absentee as he recovers from what he described as a brutal assault by three men last week that left him with facial fractures.

Olympic champion Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas, who memorably stumbled with victory in sight at the world 400m final after looking up at the big screen, roared back to take the Diamond League title with the fastest time of the year – 49.46.

Second-placed Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain, who set three national records in London, did it again in Brussels with 49.88 – her first time under 50 seconds.

“I’ve had so many ups and downs this year that to come home with the win tonight feels amazing,” said Miller-Uibo.

American Noah Lyles took an impressive win from the outside lane in the men’s 200m, finishing strongly to cross in 20.00, out-dipping compatriot Ameer Webb by a hundredth.

Turkey’s surprise world champion Ramil Guliyev was third in 20.02 – faster than his London winning time.

Kenya’s World and Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto produced a remarkable last 30m sprint to snatch the 3,000m steeplechase from London silver medallist Soufiane El Bakkali, who punched the air in frustration having thought he’d done enough to win it.