2018 Monaco DL Diary: Lijao Gong and Ryan Crouser win Shot Put in the Harbor at Herculis EBS Monaco Meeting

MONACO (MON, Jul 19): EBS Herculis started with two nice shot put competitions at Port Hercule in the harbour. First World champion and current World leader Gong Lijiao had five throws which would be enough for win, the best in last attempt 20.31. Her second best this year and remains unbeaten. US Raven Saunders in fifth round achieved second career mark 19.67 and European leader Christina Schwanitz ended third (her first loss of 2018) with 19.51 as she will compete again on Friday at German Championships. Legendary Valerie Adams got her best after maternity break as fourth 19.31. Saunders, Gong and Schwanitz are now qualified for the final, rest of the places will be confirmed after last pre finals meet in Birmingham in August. Men had their last qualification competition before the final, Olympic winner Ryan Crouser achieved in 7th competition this year 22+ mark, in round four 22.05. Darrell Hill got his season best 21.72 as second and Darlan Romani as third also high quality 21.70. Poland´s record holder Michal Haratyk with 21.59 still beat World champion Tom Walsh 21.49 and former World champion David Storl 21.41. Even 7th Czech Tomas Stanek went over 21 with 21.24. The best results ever for positions five, six and seven.