by Larry Eder
GENZEBE, HIGH JUMPERS, SHELY-ANN
DOHA (QAT): The 5th IAAF Diamond League starts as usual at Qatar Golf Club in the excellent weather conditions. Genzeba Dibaba at 3000 m and High jump men with local star Mutaz Barshim are the main attractions. Not to forget female World Athlete of the Year 2013 Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and loaded fields in men 1500 m and steeple. Series of World leads and meet records are expected. In the non global championships year athletes can more concentrate on one day meetings and results. Nine individual Moscow winners are competing out of 17 events.
Event by event preview
Men
200 m: Jamaican Racers TC star Weir is aiming for first sub 20 here, team mate Ashmeade and another World medalist Mitchell should be main rivals.
400 m: Sprint duel of the evening Merritt vs Santos, so far 1:1 this season, dark horse behind is Maslak unbeaten indoors.
800 m (non DL): Aman comes instead of Rudisha and could attack Solomon´s World lead. What is the shape of London Games sensation and occasional DJ Amos?
1500 m: First big race of the year, WL for sure, meet record would require sub 3:30, can Asbel and co do it? Oly winner Makhloufi is also entered with Souleiman along with strong groups from Kenya and Ethiopia.
Steeple: Ezekiel against Kipsiele and Brimin, who is in top shape from this Kenyan legends, WL for sure. MR would need deep under 8 minutes.
110mH: Full Moscow podium, but Oliver is the favorite. He wants to go sub 13, that would mean WL. His MR from 2008 is 12.95.
HJ: The headliner of the evening. Revenge for Ukhov on Barshim after Sopot, but Drouin is in top shape and we should not underestimate Kynard. MR for sure, maybe they can come to global attack?
LJ: Very open, Moscow medalists Rivera and Gaisah, but in-shape Visser, and Mokoena with triple oly winner Taylor.
DT: First top clash of the year: Malachowski vs Kanter vs Hadadi. World lead and a 67+ shoul
d happen.
Women
100 m: SAFP in her first 100 of the year, she should be under 11, main rival Kingston winner Okagbare. MR is 10.92 also possible.
800 m: Kenyan world champions Sum, Jepkosgei with Sopot gold medalist Price. Dark horse Cuban WL holder Almanza.
3000 m: Indoor record breaker Genzebe Dibaba MR and WL no question. But how fast after indoor splendid 8:16? Pace is set for sub 8:20.
400mH: This is open, Muhammad is Moscow medalist, Spencer DL specialist and Demus former World champ. What about Ukrainians shape?
PV: Silva vs. Spiegelburg is the headline. WL 466, MR 470, all doable.
TJ: Ibarguen wants to continue in her unbeaten streak. Can Saladukha attack her. WL and MR in any case.
SP: Another one-women show, Valerie and her WL 20.46 and MR of Ostapchuk 20.53 is even bigger motivation.
JT: WL holder Mickle is the main name. Stahl and Viljoen attacking from behind.
