Werro holds off Broeders-Bol, Bednarek shines at Diamond League Final

BRUSSELS, Sept 5 : Audrey Werro of Switzerland continued her extraordinary campaign by winning the women's 800 metres at the Diamond League Final on Saturday, holding off a determined challenge from Femke Broeders-Bol.

Werro clocked one minute 54.75 seconds, while the Netherlands' Broeders-Bol crossed in 1:54.81, to set up what should be a sizzling showdown at next week's World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

Werro, whose stunning form this season has turned the women's world record that has stood for 43 years from a distant fantasy into a realistic target, found enough in the closing metres to keep double world 400m hurdles champion Broeders-Bol, who moved up to the two-lap race in February, at bay.

"I went out to the front and had fun, which was something I explicitly wanted to do during the last Diamond League of the year," said the 22-year-old Werro.

"I felt Femke putting me under pressure during the whole race and that absolutely pushed me to not slow down. Her presence is a big source of motivation for me to stay sharp going into next year."

WORLD-LEADING TIME FOR BEDNAREK

Kenny Bednarek of the U.S. laid down a marker ahead of next week's Ultimate Championships, storming to victory in the men's 200m with a world-leading time of 19.62, despite less than ideal conditions.

"I'm definitely happy with this result," said Bednarek. "To get the win under these cold conditions (16 C) and a bit of sickness... I can't ask for more."

The 27-year-old, who was already in complete control coming off the bend, suggested his best might still be to come when the sport's biggest names gather in Budapest.

"Next week, if I execute well, I can drop a massive PB (personal best)," he said.

Nine days after Masai Russell broke the