Jamaica’s Danielle Williams and Jordan Scott delivered victories for the Caribbean as the 2025 Wanda Diamond League season got underway with an exciting opening meet in Xiamen, China, on Saturday.
Williams, the two-time world champion, showed superb early-season form to win the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.53 seconds, holding off Grace Stark of the United States, who finished second in 12.58, and South Africa’s Marione Fourie, third in 12.62. World record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria finished fourth in 12.74.
In the men's triple jump, Jordan Scott produced a personal best leap of 17.27m (+0.9m/s) to secure victory. China's Zhu Yaming, the Tokyo Olympic silver medallist, was second with 17.03m (+1.3), while American Donald Scott placed third with 16.85m (+1.2).
Scott, reflecting on his performance, said he was proud of how he managed to adjust mid-competition after fouling his first two attempts.
"Based on how the third one felt I knew I had a big one in there," he explained. "Unfortunately my coaches are not here so those adjustments had to be made on the fly by myself. Very proud of myself for getting it together. But I do not think it is all the way there yet. We will look at the film and figure out what we can do better for next week."
Meanwhile, Shericka Jackson opened her season with a runner-up finish in the women’s 200m. The two-time world champion clocked 22.79 seconds behind American Anavia Battle, who won in a meeting record 22.41. Jenna Prandini of the United States finished third in 22.97.
In other results, Grenadian star Kirani James finished fourth in the men’s 400m. Bayapo Ndori of Botswana took the win in 44.25, just ahead of Christopher Bailey of the United States, who clocked a personal best 44.27, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana, third in 44.53. James posted a solid 44.89 season opener.
In the men's 100m, Jamaica’s Rohan Watson finished ninth in 10.31 seconds in a fast final. South Africa’s Akani Simbine claimed victory in 9.99 seconds, with Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya second in 10.13, and Britain’s Jeremiah Azu third in 10.17.
Wayne Pinnock, Jamaica’s World Championship silver medallist, placed fifth in the men’s long jump with a best effort of 8.06m (-0.5m/s). China’s Zhang Mingkun claimed victory with a leap of 8.18m (-0.5), ahead of Australia’s Liam Adcock (8.15m) and American Marquis Dendy (8.10m).
Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin finished fifth in the women’s 1000m, clocking 2:34.71. Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, the double Olympic and world champion, was untouchable as she stormed to a meeting record and world-leading 2:29.21. Australia's Abbey Caldwell (2:32.94) and Sarah Billings (2:33.45) completed the top three.
In the newly added men’s 300m hurdles event, Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands finished sixth in 34.95 seconds. Norway’s Karsten Warholm dominated the race, setting a world best and meeting record of 33.05, with Matheus Lima of Brazil (33.98) and Japan’s Ken Toyoda (34.22) rounding out the top three.
Photos: Xiamen Diamond League