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May 24, 2010

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Bolt cruises but Liu crosses line in third

USAIN Bolt celebrated his return to China for the first time since his Beijing Olympic heroics with a comfortable victory in the 200 meters at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting last night.

Less than two years after his sensational sprints at the Bird's Nest arena, the Olympic and world champion treated Shanghai Stadium to a more controlled performance on a cool evening.

Well ahead by the halfway stage, Bolt crossed the line 10 meters clear of the field in 19.76 seconds, outside his own world-best time of the year (19.56) and well shy of his world mark (19.19).

The 23-year-old Jamaican, who ran the fastest 100 meters of the year (9.86) in Daegu, South Korea, on Wednesday, was followed over the line by Americans Angelo Taylor and Ryan Bailey in second and third.

"It was good, it was kind of windy," the 100 and 200 world record holder said after crossing the finish line. "It was a good run, the feeling was good but it was not easy."

Bolt said he was not in the best of shape but enjoyed the competition. "I look forward to the next race," the Jamaican added. "I really wanted a good time. I don't come to China very often."

To Bolt's surprise, scores of Jamaican fans showed up waving their national flags to cheer their hero, who was making his debut in the new 14-leg elite Diamond League circuit after skipping the opening meeting in Doha.

With Bolt dominating the men's side, Carmelita Jeter did her bit to balance the Jamaican-United States sprint rivalry with a commanding victory over world and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser in the women's 100.

"I wasn't expecting too much," said Jeter, who crossed the line in 11.09 seconds. Fraser trailed home in 11.29

American David Oliver was hugely impressive in the 110 hurdles, powering home in 12.99 seconds to upset hometown hero Liu Xiang and world champion Ryan Brathwaite.

Former world and Olympic champion Liu, still dogged by the Achilles injury that ruined his Beijing Olympic dream, was third behind compatriot Shi Dongpeng, while Brathwaite pulled up in frustration after knocking down his first three hurdles.

"I felt a little weak in my legs in the last phase of the race. I'm satisfied with my result tonight which is 13.40," Liu said.

David Oliver ran very well. He could be a big threat to (Cuba's) Dayron Robles this year."

The Shanghai native, however, conceded it was a hard to tell whether his Achilles heel could endure the ongoing intensive training. "I don't know my current state myself. All I know is to work hard and be confident."

Jeremy Wariner won the men's 400 in 45.41 seconds, followed by fellow American David Neville (45.70) and Britain's Michael Bingham (45.84).

Janet Jepkosgei Busienei of Kenya claimed victory in the women's 800 in 2:01.06, with Britain's Jennifer Meadows second (2:01.34) and Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica in third (2:01.87).



 

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