by Alfonz Juck
XIAMEN (CHN): The 15th edition of the Wanda Diamond League kicks off in China on Saturday. Xiamen will host the first of 14 regular season events, the highest number since the series began in 2010. With the expectation of breaking world leads in most disciplines. The prizes for the winners are $10,000 in the individual meetings and $30,000 in the finals. It is the earliest date for a DL meeting ever.
Event-by-event short previews
Women
200m – Sha’Carri Richardson for victory, Mujinga Kambundji in her first race since September 2023
400m – World champion Marileidy Paulino against other medallists Natalia Kaczmarek and Sada Williams
1500m – Ethiopian clash of Freweyni Hailu, Diribe Welteji, and Gudaf Tsegay for first outdoor sub-4:00 of the season
3000m steeple – Experienced Beatrice Chepkoech against teenager Faith Cherotich, Peruth Chemutai behind
100m hurdles – Olympic, World, World Indoor champions and WR holder – Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Danielle Williams, Devynne Charlton and Tobi Amusan
The shot put is Chase Jackson versus Sarah Mitton, also home star Gong Lijiao, all 3 Budapest medalists. Yemisi Ogunleye behind, in clash for first 20m throw of the season
Discus – Laulauga Tausaga against Valarie Allman once again, but Yaimé Pérez with recent 73m attempt, with top 8 from Budapest 23
Javelin (non-DL) – top Chinese (except of Yan Ziyi) against World medalist Flor Ruiz
Men
100m – two champions Fred Kerley versus Christina Coleman, Ackeem Blake behind
800m – Marco Arop for victory
5000m – open clash, steeple WR holder Lamecha Girma against specialists like Muktar Edris, Nibret Melak or Nicholas Kipkorir for first sub-13:00 of the outdoor season
110m hurdles – Hansle Parchment against Daniel Roberts
High jump – Mutaz Essa Barshim against World Indoor champion Hamish Kerr
Pole vault – Mondo Duplantis for victory and the first outdoor 6-metres attempt
Triple jump – Hugues Fabrice Zango is a favourite; Pedro Pichardo is in his first competition since May 2023
