Paulino, El Bakkali win as Tharanga defeats Chopra at Doha Diamond League

Dominican Republic’s Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino produced a dominant performance to win the women’s 400 metres at the Doha Diamond League, while Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga defeated two-time Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra on Friday.

Paulino took control of the 400m race from the start and finished in 48.91 seconds, leaving second-place Natalia Bukowiecka more than a second behind.

“I wanted to open with 48 seconds and I succeeded,” Paulino said after the race.

In the men’s javelin, Tharanga delivered a winning throw of 88.68 metres on his fourth attempt. Chopra, competing for the first time this year after injury problems, finished fourth with 85.69 metres.

“I’m glad I had a win today. It was one of my dreams to compete here as the first ever Sri Lankan in the Diamond League,” said the 23-year-old Tharanga.

Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali won the men’s 3000m steeplechase after a difficult final lap battle. The two-time Olympic champion held off Samuel Firewu before collapsing after crossing the finish line.

“It was not easy today because of the weather conditions. It’s very hot,” El Bakkali said.

In the men’s high jump, home favourite Mutaz Barshim finished second after clearing 2.27 metres, while Italy’s Matteo Sioli won with 2.29 metres.

Other winners included Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa in the women’s 5000m, Birke Haylom in the women’s 1500m, Cordell Tinch in the 110m hurdles, and American Addison Wiley in the women’s 800m.

The Doha Diamond League continues as athletes prepare for the upcoming international athletics season.