In-form sprinter Akani Simbine was the standout performer among a large group of South African athletes in action at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat on Sunday night.
Simbine secured his third Diamond League win of the year as he stopped the clock at 9.95 seconds in the 100m sprint, remaining unbeaten this season over his specialist distance.
African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya was second in 10.05 and former world champion Fred Kerley of the United States took third place in 10.07.
Further back in the field, South African sprinter Shaun Maswanganyi finished sixth, setting a season’s best of 10.19.
“I feel great, I feel confident, and I am happy that I could take the win today and that I can finish this month strong and healthy,” Simbine said afterwards.
“Another sub 10 in the bag, so slowly we go down in time which is really great. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and going back to training in Italy to get ready for the next Diamond League.”
Nene and Sekgodiso
Meanwhile, there were also impressive performances by sprinter Zakithi Nene and middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso.
Nene took second position in the men’s 400m event in 44.46 after being chased down in the home straight by American athlete Jacory Patterson.
The SA champion fought hard but was edged out by Patterson who clocked 44.37, with Olympic champion Quincy Hall taking third in 44.90.
“When I come out to compete, I always want to win, but my time is still good, so I can take it,” Nene said.
“The temperature was slightly cooler, but I loved the track and the atmosphere.”
Sekgodiso, the world indoor champion, did well to take the runner-up spot in the women’s 800m contest.
The rising SA star set a season’s best of 1:57.52, crossing the line just 0.10 behind Ethiopian athlete Tsige Duguma who secured victory in 1:57.52.
In a tight battle, the top four women finished within 0.39 and the top nine finishers all ran under 1:59.00.
Other results
“I am happy that I could execute my coach’s race plan. My result and my second place show that I have a lot in me for the next race, which will be the Diamond League in Stockholm,” Sekgodiso said.
In other events, Wayde van Niekerk finished fifth in the men’s 200m race in 20.26, while Benji Richardson ended seventh in 20.49.
National champion Zeney Geldenhuys settled for fifth spot in the women’s 400m hurdles race in 55.37, and compatriot Rogail Joseph finished ninth in 57.91.
Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ane du Plessis was fifth in the women’s javelin competition with a 59.25m throw, and Tshepo Tshite ended 15th in the men’s 1 500m race in 3:36.22.
