EPIC 400M CLASH LOOMS IN ZURICH DIAMOND LEAGUE

Photo: Wayde Van Niekerk (Gallo Images)

The 400m for men will be one of the most intriguing sub-plots to the Zurich Diamond League meeting today.

Can Kirani James turn the tables on Wayde Van Niekerk at this event in less than two weeks after the15th IAAF World Championship?

The Grenadian superstar James has already said that he is not a fan of avoiding the big match-ups between top athletes and has come face to face on numerous occasion with arch rival Lashawn Merritt of the USA, will now have to continue that duel with the South African sensation.

Van Niekerk, the new 400m World champion stormed to victory on the track in Beijing with 43.48 seconds, the fourth fastest time in the event’s history. He managed to stave off the challenge of former world champion Merritt and reigning Olympic champion James, who came in for the runner up spots. James copped the bronze with a 43.78 seconds seasons best, just 200th of a second shy of his personal best of 43.74 seconds done in June 2014.

James racked up wins in Eugene on the 29th of May 2015 in 43.95, ahead of Merritt, this following an earlier clocking 44.66 in Shanghai China on May 17, 2015 . He succumbed to defeat at the Paris Saint-Denis, France on July 4,2015 where he lost to Van Niekerk. The South African won in 43.96 seconds to 44.17 by James.

The World champion’s only other Diamond League appearance brought him victory, when we ran 44.63 for to win in London in July 25, 2015.

The Diamond trophy and US $40, 000 will come down to who runs the best tactical race. The lead is held by James who is on 10 points while Van Niekerk is 2 points adrift of his rival. Van Niekerk is unbeaten all season and will start the race as favourite, especially after crowning himself inside the Birds Nest just a few days ago.