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via Getty

via Getty

The most prestigious series, sitting at the top tier of World Athletics’ one-day meet, is the Diamond League. The league, which comprises 13 meets from May to September, kicked off in Doha, Qatar. Zurich will see the Final of the league be played out on the 7th and 8th of September. Big-name athletes like Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Andre De Grasse took part in the 200m event.

The 200m sprint event of the league was one of the most anticipated races of the year. And when the time came, it did not disappoint.

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Noah Lyles wins the Doha race

This year’s 200m event came packed with stars and no clear favorite to win the race. Legendary Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse was in the mix for the title contention as well. But, as has always been the case in his career, there was a major obstacle in his way. Or rather, there were three as he finished fourth.

The battle for the first place came down to the two Americans that took part in the race: Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles.

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Unlike the Kip Keino Classic, the sprinters recorded a clean start this time around. Kerley and Lyles flew past the rest of the field as they came on to the straight. Both pushed hard, but Lyles came out on top, albeit marginally.

Noah finished first with a time of 19.72seconds (+2.1) while Kerley took home second place with a time of 19.75seconds (+2.1). In a rather surprising fashion, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards finished third with a time of 20.15seconds. Since the wind was at a +2.1, the times will not be counted as legal.

Notably, this is Noah’s second win in two races this season. His first win came at the Pure Athletics Global Invitational in Florida.

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Hence, Noah’s season-best continues to be 19.86seconds while his personal best stands at 19.50seconds.

READ MORE: ?Playing With My Emotions?: Noah Lyles Once Nearly Missed Beating Usain Bolt?s World Record Due to Organizer’s Blunder