Nia Ali ran a very good tactical race to hold off Tobi Amusan, kicking off her 2023 season in style at the Tom Jones Invitational.
Doha 2019 World champion Nia Ali began her 2023 season on a winning note, storming to an impressive Season's Best (SB) time of 12.53s (1.4), defeating Tobi Amusan in the women's 100m Hurdles final at the Tom Jones Invitational.
She held off the World Record (WR) holder, who came second also in an SB of 12.59s, while Devyne Charlton was third in 12.64s.
Ali made her intentions known in the heat, when she led qualification with 12.55s (2.8), far ahead of Beijing 2015 World champion Danielle Williams in 12.64s, while a brilliant 18-year-old Kerrica Hill finished third in 12.68s in her professional debut.
Amusan, on the other hand, ran a smooth 12.74s (1.1) to win her heat, with Charlton coming second in 12.87s.
The final proved to be a good battle between both athletes, as Ali built on her perfect start, good enough to hold off Amusan, who has a fast top-end speed.
She is now the first to defeat Amusan since the Nigerian made history at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon by winning the world title and blazing to a new WR of 12.12s.
20:52 - 14.04.2023
TENNIS Watch the moment Bolt equalled his World Record at Monte Carlo Masters
Retired but not tired of breaking records as Usain Bolt sets another World Record at Monte Carlo Masters.
Following the loss, Amusan will look to put it behind her and focus on her training and preparations as she works towards successfully defending her world title in Budapest come August.
20:27 - 20.01.2023
OPINION Tobi Amusan's journey to sporting immortality only just begun
Winning the World Championships title and running the World Record is actually the beginning of Tobi Amusan's journey to sporting immortality.