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Veteran sprinter Gatlin renews PB in Doha

Xinhua, May 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The 33-year-old Justin Gatlin trimmed 0.03 second off his career best to win the men's 100m sprint with a meeting record of 9.74 seconds at the 2015 Diamond League Doha meet here on Friday.

The American veteran sprinter took the spotlight in 2014 as he remained unbeaten for the whole season and registered the fastest time of the year in both 100m and 200m, with the 9.77s run in Bruxelles last September standing as his 100m PB.

Starting from the third lane, Gatlin's reaction time of 0.161s was the second slowest among the eight sprinters but he managed to build a formidable midway lead before dashing home in style to ignite the packed stands in the Qatar Sports Club.

"I was a magical night for me. I won as I did on previous races here in Doha, but I ran even faster, I am very happy. I put a great show for the fans, I have been training hard for that," said Gatlin. "Doha is a great place for me, it is a popular meeting here. I was invited again this season and with my performance I sent a statement."

Gatlin's countryman Michael Rodgers finished second in 9.96s while Keston Bledman of Trinidad and Tobago took the third place in 10.01s.

The 2003 world champion Kim Collins of Saint Kitts and Nevis, who was unbeaten in nine 60m races this indoor season and improved his career best to 9.96 last season, finished fourth in 10.03s. Local hero Femi Ogunode, gold medalist at the Asian Games last year with an Asian record of 9.93s, settled fifth in 10.04s. Endite