Warholm exploits the absence of Samba to win London's 400 hurdles

LONDON (AP) – World champion Karsten Warholm took advantage of the absence of Qatar rival Abderrahman Samba to finally win a 400-meter hurdles at the Saturday Games.

And in a Norwegian album too.

Warholm was a Samba finalist at previous Diamond League meetings in Rome, Oslo, Stockholm, Paris and Lausanne. But Samba preferred to try the barrier-free 400 at the London Stadium, and set a personal best in fifth place.

Warholm comfortably won the hurdles in 47.65, more than half a second ahead of the best of Samba this year

Meanwhile, Abdallelah Haroun won the 400 in a Qatar record 44.07.

In the women's 100-meters final, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won in 10.98 seconds, her best season.

The Jamaican, two-time Olympic champion, had a little boy last August.

"I have not run for a long time and I am happy that the race was less than 11 seconds," Fraser-Pryce said.

"Being a mother is my first priority and coming back and being flexible with my training is wonderful, and I'm so excited by next year now."

Dezerea Bryant, USA, finished second in 11.04

Ronnie Baker of the United States won the men's 100m in 9.90 for his fourth Diamond League win.

Zharnel Hughes was second in 9.93 and Commonwealth champion Akani Simbine South. Africa was third. Jamaican Yohan Blake was fourth. Christian Coleman, who won the silver medal at the world championships last year, had a hamstring injury

. American Paul Chelimo, silver medalist and bronze medalist at the World Championships, edged Edris Muktar and Yomif Kejelcha. US Champion Sam Kendricks shut out Renaud Lavillenie and Armand Duplantis at 5.92

Shara Proctor of Great Britain won the women's long jump and world bronze medalist Lye Huihui of China won won the javelin. center, crosses an obstacle to win the men's 400-meter hurdles race at the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting at London's London Stadium on Saturday, July 21, 2018. (AP Photo / Matt Dunham) ” clbad=”blkBorder img-share” />