by Alfonz Juck
Konstance Klausterholfen, 1,500m, with Jessica Hull, photo by Kevin Morris
Top marks: Brazier 1:14.39, Kemp 6.50, Hoppel 2:17.41
BOSTON (USA, Jan 25): World Athletics World Indoor Tour started with New Balance Grand Prix at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center and the top result was achieved in last event as World champion Donavan Brazier won the 600 m in 1:14.39, second fastest all-time. Demek Kemp improved his PB and WL to excellent 6.50 in the 60 m over Keitavious Walter 6.61, top names from the past 5th Asafa Powell 6.71 and Trayvon Bromell returning from injury 7th 6.84. World champion Nia Ali won the hurdles in 7.94 over Christina Clemons 7.98 and Jamaicans Janeek Brown 8.00 with Brittany Anderson 8.07. The much-anticipated men’s 1000m had Bryce Hoppel beating in 2:17.41 WL and PB two Europeans, Briton Jake Wightman 2:17.51 and Spain´s Sual Ordonez 2:18.81. Also winning with a strong sprint was Wightman’s Scottish compatriot Chris O’Hare who out-kicked New Zealand Olympic medalist Nick Willis to win the Tommy Leonard Memorial Mile, 3:59.62 to 3:59.89. Elinor Purrier showed a very strong kick in the women’s two-mile in the final lap to win in 9:29.17, a personal best. Dominique Scott of South Africa took second in 9:31.98 NR and former steeple World champion Emma Coburn got third in 9:32.81. There was a very close finish in the women’s 1500m as Konstanze Klosterhalfen of Germany lost to Jessica Hull of Australia (both train under coach Pete Julian) 4:04.38 to 4:04.14. Third Ciara Mageean of Ireland 4:06.42. In the men’s 3000m, Bethwel Birgen of Kenya upset compatriot Edward Cheserek, 7:44.21 to 7:46.74. One of the top names of the meet, Sydney McLaughlin did not start the women’s 500 meters; she had scratched earlier in the day. “Sydney is a little tight from traveling and Coach Joanna Hayes has asked her not to compete today,” meet organizers said in a statement. Winner Lisanne de Witte from Netherlands clocked 1:10.50. Obi Igbokwe destroyed the 400 m field in 46.50 and Gabby Thomas with 36.52 was the best in the women´s 300 m with Shamier Little winning the other race 37.07. Spain´s Pablo Torrijos won triple 16.75 and in women high jump Amina Smith on count-back beat Priscilla Frederick from Antigua, both 189.
