Catch me if you can

DOHA, September 29

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American Christian Coleman scorched to the 100 metres World Championships gold medal on Saturday but the crowning of the world's fastest man could generate no more buzz than the air conditioning in a half-empty Khalifa Stadium.

Coleman, runners-up to Justin Gatlin two years ago in London, did his part to send a jolt of excitement through a thin audience by turning the tables on his teammate in a season's best 9.76 seconds, making him the sixth fastest man of all-time.

"Last time it was a surprise when I won silver, this time there was a lot of pressure but I managed to come out with a gold," Coleman said.  "To add my name to the list of legendary guys who've come before me is an honour and a blessing." The 37-year-old Gatlin continued to prove he is one of sprinting's big-time performers, however, grabbing silver in 9.89s.

Canadian Andre De Grasse, a triple medal winner at the Rio Olympics and returning to form after a string of injuries, completed the podium by clocking 9.90s to take the bronze. "This season is a testament to my endurance and willpower," said Gatlin. "He ran a great race but I have a message for next year — I'm coming. He better be ready," he added. 

Suzuki  too hot to handle

Japan's Yusuke Suzuki won the World Championships 50km race walk today while 43-year-old Joao Vieira defied conditions he described as "hell" to become the oldest man to win a medal in any event.

The Portuguese veteran, taking part in his 11th World Championships, finished second while Canada's Evan Dunfee was third. Suzuki led for virtually the entire race, held in torrid conditions, as he won in a time of four hours 04:20 minutes. The race began at 11.30pm to avoid the worst of the Doha heat but conditions were still stifling with high humidity. "For me, it was hell ... very, very hot ... it was very bad," Vieira said. "How did I cope? Just a lot of ice and cold water." 

Hassan takes 10,000m title 

Sifan Hassan displayed her remarkab le versatility by producing a stunning final lap to win the women's 10,000 metres at the World Athletics Championships on Saturday. 

The Dutchwoman overtook Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey just before the bell and powered away over the final lap to win in a season's best time of 30 minutes 17.63 seconds and claim her first Worlds or Olympics title. 

Gidey, who also started to run 10,000 metres this year, was second and Kenya's Agnes Tirop third. — Reuters

Key Results

• 100m (men): Christian Coleman 9.76sec (USA)
• Hammer throw (women): DeAnna Price 77.54m (USA)
• long jump (men): Tajay Gayle 8.69m (Jamaica)
• 50km race walk (women): Liang Rui 4hr:23min:26sec (China)
• 50km race walk (men): Yusuke Suzuki (Japan) 4hr:04min:20sec
• 10,000m (women): Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) 30min:20sec