5 days ago
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JAMAICA’S MEGAN Tapper needs a special performance in Lousanne today if she is to make the final of the Wanda Diamond League in Zurich.
The 100-metre hurdler sits on 12 points heading into today’s 2:14 p.m. meeting in undoubtedly one of the most competitive events in track and field, male or female, and fans can expect super-fast times with plenty of fireworks.
Diamond League leader Grace Stark of the United States, with 35 points, will not compete today. World record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, with 23 points, has already booked her ticket to Zurich. Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, the defending world champion, sits third with 20 points and also looks safe to qualify despite not competing today.
With points up for grabs, other athletes will be chasing their spots for the grand finale.
Coming off some outstanding performances last weekend at the Silesia meet, expectations are high for more special results today.
Tapper and runner-up Ackera Nugent will be in the line-up, both looking to bounce back after disappointing runs over the weekend, where they finished seventh and ninth, respectively. Nugent, who was in top form earlier this season, has missed the podium in her last two meets. With a season’s best of 12.30 and 15 points, however, she looks set to book her place in the final. Tapper, who equalled her personal best of 12.34 when winning at the Monaco Diamond League, sits on 12 points. Her chances of advancing are slim, but a big performance today could give her a much-needed boost heading into the rest of the season.
Olympic champion and world leader Masai Russell of the United States, with 13 points, is coming off a sizzling performance in Silesia, where she won in a meet record 12.19. She is in top form and looks ready to continue her dominance. Amusan has also shown signs of returning to her best, finishing third in Silesia in 12.25, just outside her season’s best of 12.24, and could go even faster today.
Another athlete to watch is Nadine Visser of the Netherlands, currently fourth in the Diamond League standings with 27 points. In Silesia, she produced a season and personal best of 12.28 in the preliminary round, breaking the previous meet record and defeating Russell in the process. In the final, she was leading up to the seventh barrier before stumbling and finishing eighth. If she clears cleanly today, she could be very dangerous and deliver an exceptional time.
The United States’ Alaysha Johnson, with a season’s best of 12.32 and 16 points in fifth, along with countrywoman Kendra Harrison on 12 points (season’s best 12.37), will also be in the mix. Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, though out of contention for a final berth, will add local excitement to what promises to be a classic event.
English (US) ·