Gatlin, Su Bingtian to light up Shanghai Diamond League

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All eyes will be on China's star sprinter Su Bingtian at the IAAF Diamond League meet in Shanghai on Saturday.

Su claimed victory in the men's 100 meters sprint last year, but was aided by two disqualifications before the start. This year, the fastest Chinese man will have an uphill task as world champion Justin Gatlin is back in China for the first time since 2016, and is hot favorite to win the much-anticipated clash. Gatlin missed the star-studded event due to injury last time.

Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, Su clocked an impressive 10.09 seconds last year at the Shanghai Stadium but two-time world champion Gatlin’s presence has certainly raised the bar for him. On the other hand, Gatlin will be aiming for his second Shanghai win in three years.

Rio Olympic bronze medalist, Andre De Grasse of Canada is also seeking a first podium finish in the city while Chinese sprinter Xie Zhenye, who beat Su at the National Games in Tianjin last year, is hoping for a repeat performance.

Justin Gatlin of the US‍ missed the Shanghai Diamond League meet in 2017 with an injury. /VCG File Photo

In the men's pole vault, three Chinese athletes, Xue Changrui, Yao Jie and Huang Bokai will be vying for a podium position. Xue, 26, is hoping for a better time on home turf after a fourth-placed finish at the World Championships in London last year. In the women's shot put, world champion Gong Lijiao will be confident of another first place finish in the space of 12 months.