2019 Doha DL Diary: Marie Jose Ta Lou versus Dina Asher-Smith in the 200 meters

DOHA (QAT): Triple European champion Dina Asher-Smith and reigning world and European champion Ramil Guliyev will both launch their seasons in earnest over 200m in the Doha Diamond League. Asher-Smith will face a line-up including double world silver medallist Marie Josee Ta Lou and world 400m champion Phyllis Francis. “I am excited to start my season in Doha for the first time and test out the track at the Khalifa International Stadium ahead of the World Championships. The female sprints have so many extremely talented women at the moment and I expect Doha to be a great race,” said Asher-Smith. In the men’s 200m, Guliyev faces Jereem Richards, Alonso Edward, Alex Quinonez and Aaron Brown in the men’s 200m; all of whom broke the 20 second-barrier in 2018. “Breaking the championship record and my lifetime best in Berlin was fantastic but I am sure I can go even faster. Of course my big aim is to defend my world title in Doha and I know I will probably have to break my lifetime best to do that,” he said. Jamaica’s Janieve Russell and Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad will also renew their rivalry in the 400m hurdles.