1. Muir with a fighting chance
Faith Kipyegon had looked a sure bet to win the women’s 1500m Diamond Race just a month ago. But Laura Muir’s victories in London and Paris have propelled her up the rankings to within just eight points of Kipyegon. That means that victory in Zürich would see Muir claim the Diamond Trophy in a dramatic finish. Were she to finish first and Kipyegon in second, the two women would be equal on points and victories, meaning Muir would win by virtue of having won the final.
2. Jebet and Kiyeng’s final battle
Throughout the season, Ruth Jebet and Hyvin Kiyeng have crossed swords, swapping places at the top of the standings in the women’s 3000m steeplechase Diamond Race. In the last few weeks, it is Jebet who has pulled away. The Olympic champion’s world record run in Paris saw her pull four points away from Kiyeng in the standings. But as she herself says, four points is not the biggest gap. It will all come down to tonight’s clash in Zürich.
3. Vadlejch out to undermine Röhler repeat
Two years ago, Thomas Röhler won the men’s javelin Diamond Race in Zürich. The newly crowned Olympic champion is out to do the same again tonight, but he will have to fight off a resurgent Jakub Vadlejch. The Czech, who was far behind Röhler just weeks ago, has shortened the gap to just four points with victories in London and Paris.
4. Can Culson get Diamond consolation?
Javier Culson faced Olympic heartbreak after his false start in the men’s 400m hurdles final at Rio. The Puerto Rican may be able to find some consolation if he wins the Diamond Trophy this evening. The odds are stacked against him, though, with Olympic Champion Kerron Clement six points ahead in first place. Culson will have to win in Zürich to become Diamond Race winner.
5. Kovacs comeback against Walsh?
Diamond Trophy holder Joe Kovacs was subject to a late surprise in Paris, when Tom Walsh pulled four points ahead of him in the men’s shot put Diamond Race. KOvacs had looked a sure bet to defend his title, but he now has it all to do in Zürich as the two men go head to head for the Diamond Trophy.
.@Taylored2jump @lauramuiruns & Ruth #Jebet are three of 39 athletes who could win the #DiamondTrophy at #ZurichDL! pic.twitter.com/sKbbXtyuYs
— IAAF Diamond League (@Diamond_League) August 30, 2016