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Allyson Felix takes 11th victory in Doha with meet record

Xinhua, May 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

American sprinter Allyson Felix dashed to a meet record of 21.98 seconds to win the women's 200 meters race at 2015 Diamond League opener meet here on Friday, equaling the Diamond League record set by Jamaica' Veronica Campbell-Brown in 2010.

It was the twelfth time for Felix to set her foot on the Qatar Sport Club track and 11th title claimed by the 29-year-old. First competing in Doha in 2005, Felix has won 10 titles here including three in the 100m, two in the 200m and five consecutively in the 400m from 2007 to 2011. She only lost once in 2013 to Amantle Montsho in the 400m and also missed the 2014 race due to a hamstring injury which forced her to sit out for almost the entire 2014 season.

Felix's winning time also shattered the relatively modest meet record of 22.35 set by Ionela Tirlea-Manolache of Romania back in 1999.

"I am really happy today, a world lead, a meeting record and equaled the Diamond League record. It is a good start, " said Felix who never hid her excitement to start the season in Doha before the race.

"I feel strong and the speed is good. It is so good to be healthy. I am now looking forward to the next competition, the World Championships in August. Doha is always a special place for me," she added.

Murielle Ahoure of Cote D'Ivoire, who grabbed two silver medals in the 100m and 200m at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow, finished second in 22.29, a mark which is 0.05 seconds slower than her career best.

"I am so excited with my time today which is very close to my personal best. I have been training so hard this season. I hope I will run under 22 seconds this season," said the 27-year-old.

Bahamas' Anthonique Strachan finished third in 22.69s. Endite