China's Su Bingtian (second from left) with runners in men's 100 meters heats at World Athletics Championships in Doha, September 27, 2019. /VCG Photo
Two Chinese sprinters shone on the opening day of the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha on Friday night. Earlier, all eyes were on the men's 100 meters heats as a slew of the fastest sprinters in the world were taking part in the showpiece track & field event. Two of the Chinese sprinters Xie Zhenye and Su Bingtian were also in the fray, and the fastest sprinters of Asia were under the spotlight as well.
In the first heat, Xie came from behind to cross the line third in 10.19 seconds to earn his place in the semi-finals. He was joined by compatriot Su as the 30-year-old finished in 10.21 seconds in the fourth heat.
Christian Coleman of the U.S. (center) with runners in men's 100 meters heats at World Athletics Championships in Doha, September 27, 2019. /VCG Photo
Meanwhile, 23-year-old American Christian Coleman put aside any distraction from his recent controversy with the US anti-doping agency and backed up his status as the man to beat as he was the only one to run under ten seconds. Coleman won silver in London two years ago but has clocked the fastest time this year. He took the lead right away in Heat 6 and was not going to be caught as he went on to cross the line in 9.98 seconds ahead of Italian Lamont Marcell Jacobs and Abdul Hakim Sani Brown of Japan.
Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya wins gold in Women's Marathon at World Athletics Championships in Doha, September 28, 2019. /VCG Photo
Later, in the women's marathon, world number one Ruth Chepngetich claimed the gold medal for Kenya. The 25-year old's time of 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 43 seconds was the slowest winning time in the 36-year history of the competition. Defending champion Rose Chelimo of Bahrain came in 63 seconds behind to win silver.