American Noah Lyles became the fourth-fastest man in history over 200m with a stunning Diamond League victory in 19.50 seconds here on Friday.
The 21-year-old was expected to face a close challenge from Andre De Grasse, but the Canadian was left trailing in third as Lyles laid down a serious marker ahead of September’s World Championships in Doha.
“Oh my God, would it be crazy if I said yes?,” said Lyles when asked if he expected to run so fast. “Really, it was all about the plan. Me and my coach have been working on that turn.”
Only World record-holder Usain Bolt (19.19), fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake (19.26) and four-time Olympic gold-medallist Michael Johnson (19.32) have run quicker.
Ecuador’s Alex Quinonez (19.87) snatched a surprise second place ahead of De Grasse (19.92). Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce powered to a dominant victory in the 100m to confirm her return to the upper echelons of sprinting, while reigning World champion Justin Gatlin won the men’s 100.
The 32-year-old Jamaican, on the comeback trail after taking time away from the sport to give birth to her son Zyon, clocked 10.74 seconds to beat European champion Dina Asher-Smith into second.
Britain’s Asher-Smith, 23, ran a season’s best 10.91s to beat World silver medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.93) into third.
The results: Men: 100m: 1. Justin Gatlin 10.74s; 2. Michael Rodgers (10.01); 3. Aaron Brown (10.07).
200m: 1. Noah Lyles (19.5); 2. Alex Quinonez (19.87); 3. Andre De Grasse (19.92).
Women: 100m: 1. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.74); 2. Dina Asher-Smith (10.91); 3. Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.93).
200m: 1. Gabrielle Thomas (22.69); 2. Jodie Williams (22.75); 3. Anthonique Strachan (22.81).
400m: 1. Salwa Eid Naser (49.17); 2. Aminatou Seyni (49.1); 3. Stephenie-Ann McPherson 50.88 .
