1. The high jump hots up (High Jump M)
The men’s high jump is traditionally one of the most competitive Diamond Disciplines, and this season promises to be no different, with all the top stars competing from the word go in the IAAF Diamond League. The Shanghai line-up is exciting to say the least, with all top five finishers in last year’s Diamond Race and the Olympic gold and silver medallists all ready to do battle. After picking up his first eight points in Doha, Mutaz Essa Barshim will look to extend his lead as he faces the likes of Erik Kynard, Derek Drouin and local hero Zhang Guowei.
2. Sandra sets sights on number six (Discus W)
Few athletes have made such an indelible mark on the IAAF Diamond League as Sandra Perkovic. Having won her fifth Diamond Trophy in a row last season, the Croatian is keen to add a sixth this year. "I will keep giving my best and I’m sure there’ll be a positive outcome" she told diamondleague.com this week. She will kickstart her Road To The Final on Saturday in Shanghai, as she competes in a combined competition with her male counterparts for the first time.
3. Culson and Clement clash again (400m Hurdles M)
Last season saw a thrilling battle in the men’s 400m Hurdles as Javier Culson and Kerron Clement were neck and neck for much of the season. In the Diamond League as in the Olympics, it was the American who prevailed, beating Culson in Zürich to secure the Diamond Trophy. As both men begin their Road To The Final in Shanghai, Culson will want to get an early victory as he chases a third Diamond Trophy.
4. Four star four hundred (400m W)
The women’s 400m also provided one of last season’s closest Diamond Races, as Stephenie-Ann McPherson finished just seven points ahead of Natasha Hastings. Shaunae Miller-Uibo also played a major role in the contest, while Novlene Williams-Mills picked up victory in Stockholm. If that is anything to go by, Saturday evening’s 400m showdown, which pits all four women against each other, should be a race to savour as each of them aims for eight points on the Road To The Final.
5. Lavillenie: Unstoppable? (Pole Vault M)
Shanghai will be a highlight for pole vault fans, as World Champion Shawn Barber, Olympic medallists Thiago Braz and Sam Kendricks, and world record holder and seven time Diamond Trophy winner Renaud Lavillenie go head to head early in the season. For all the quality of Braz, Barber and Kendricks, none of them have managed to wrest the Diamond Trophy from the grasp of Lavillenie, who has been unbelievably dominant in the Diamond League. Will the new format give them a better chance? The Road To The Final begins on Saturday.