Simbine storms to victory at Stockholm Diamond League meeting

South African speedster Akani Simbine won the men's 100m race at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, Sweden on Thursday night.

With this performance, the SA national record holder fired a warning shot at his fellow title contenders ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Eugene later this month.

Running into a slight headwind, Simbine won convincingly in 10.02, and though it wasn't his fastest time, it would have given him a confidence boost ahead of the global championships. Great Britain's Reece Prescod was second in 10.15 and Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut third in 10.19.

"Congratulations to Akani, his coach and his support staff for this win, making it his second Diamond League podium finish this year. It is what he needs before the World Championships in USA in the next two weeks," Athletics SA president James Moloi said.

Elsewhere, Prudence Sekgodiso finished sixth in the women's 800m race in 1:59.52. The 21-year old South African national champion dipped under two minutes again, crossing the line less than two seconds behind Kenyan athlete Mary Moraa, who won the race in 1:57.68.

Former world junior champion Sokwakhana Zazini settled for eighth place in the men's 400m hurdles contest in 49.80. Olympic bronze medallist Alison dos Santos of Brazil claimed a comfortable victory in 46.80, clocking the fastest time in the world this year.

Two other SA athletes also shone in the pre-programme at the Diamond League meeting.

African champion Zeney van der Walt won the women's 400m hurdles 'B' race in 44.99, while in-form compatriot Taylon Bieldt took second place in 55.30, with both athletes setting personal bests."It is a major personal achievement for athletes to participate in the Diamond League because it validates that