‘I can go much faster’

OBLIQUE SEVILLE’S dominant victory over a strong 100-metre field at the Wanda Diamond League in Lausanne, Switzerland, that included American Olympic champion Noah Lyles, has given him the belief he can go much faster.

Seville continued his dominance over Lyles when he powered to 9.87 seconds despite heavy rains, a wet track, and a negative wind of 0.6 metres per second.

Bent on avenging his earlier loss to Seville at the London Diamond League —and coming off another defeat to Jamaican Kishane Thompson at last Friday’s Silesia meet in Poland — a fired-up Lyles was visibly determined at the start as he sought redemption.

That, however, was not to be.

With his trademark explosive start, Seville stamped his authority early and cruised to a commanding win. Lyles, who was left for dead at the start, had to play catch-up and just managed to edge Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake for second. Both were credited with 10.02, but Lyles was given the nod over Blake.

“Running 9.87 in those conditions shows I can go much faster anywhere in the world. Today was a good time, and beating the Olympic champion twice — in London and now here — gives me a lot of confidence heading into a championships,” he said.

The young sprinter made it clear that his sights are set on global glory.

“It’s been a while since a Jamaican male has won the 100m at a global championships, and I believe I can be the one to do it. My coach inspires me a lot — even the small tips he gives make a big difference,” he added.

Blake, meanwhile, was also pleased with his effort.

“Given the conditions, I just focused on executing my race. I’m proud of the time I ran today, and this is good preparation ahead of the World Championships,” he said after his best showing since the Jamaica National Championships.

It was a mixed day otherwise for the Jamaicans. Long jumper Tajay Gayle was the only other athlete from the island to finish in the top three, leaping 7.71 metres on his third attempt to secure third place.

Carey McLeod finished fourth with 7.67m, while Wayne Pinnock was fifth at 7.61m. The event was won by Uzbekistan’s Anver Anvarou with 7.84m, while Switzerland’s Simon Ehammer took second with 7.72m.

For the third straight meet, sprint hurdler Ackera Nugent missed out on a podium finish, finishing fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.54 seconds. National champion Megan Tapper had to settle for eighth in 13.06. The race went to the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser, who rebounded strongly after her mishap in Silesia to clock 12.45, holding off Olympic champion and world leader Masai Russell of the United States (12.53), with home favourite Ditaji Kambundji third in 12.57.

In the men’s shot put, Jamaica’s Rajindra Campbell could only manage eighth with a throw of 21.00 metres. The United States’ Joe Kovacs, who had failed to make the top three at his national championships, bounced back in style to win the event with 22.04m.