Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League 2024: Daryll Neita sails to women's 200m victory, Sha'Carri Richardson third
Great Britain's Daryll Neita began her season in storming style as she beat a strong field including Sha’Carri Richardson to win the women's 200m at the 2024 Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League meet in Suzhou, People's Republic of China, on Saturday (27 April).
Running in lane seven, the Briton ran a strong start around the bend and emerged onto the straight well clear of the chasing pack.
Such was her lead over Anavia Battle that Neita was able to let up in the final five metres, crossing the line in 22.62 seconds.
Battle, who briefly led last week's race in Xiamen, held on for second place, while Richardson, the world 100m champion, finished a disappointing third.
Richardson only just held off her charging World Championship sprint relay team-mate Tamara Clark at the line, and did not look particularly competitive after losing in a photo-finish last week.
"It was such a strong field and to run that time at this stage of the season is amazing," Neita said. "To hear the crowd, who were so loud and receive so much support from the Chinese people was something else. My main focus for the rest of the season is to stay healthy and in one piece. I hope to really win a medal at the Olympics."
The Diamond League circuit next heads to Doha, Qatar, in two weeks on 10 May, where the women's 200m will be replaced with the 100m.
Results from Shanghai/Suzhou Diamond League women's 200m, Saturday 27 April 2024:
- Daryll Neita (GBR) 22.62
- Anavia Battle (USA) 22.99
- Sha'Carri Richardson (USA) 23.11
- Tamara Clark (USA) 23.13
- Mujinga Kambundji (SUI) 23.21
- Anthonique Strachan (BAH) 23.35
- Twanisha Terry (USA) 23.37
- Caisja Chandler (USA) 23.66