Tinsley gets the better of Culson

Joint Diamond Race leader Michael Tinsley took victory in the men’s 400m hurdles at the MEETING AREVA, while Javier Culson, his rival at the top of the standings, could only finish third.

The eagerly awaited duel between Michael Tinsley and Javier Culson, the joint leaders in the 400m hurdles standings, went the way of the American, who won in a time of 48.25, his best of the season. With his Puerto Rican rival only managing third in a time of 48.45, Tinsley has now moved into the Diamond Race lead. Sandwiched in between the two was South Africa’s Cornel Fredericks, whose time of 48.42 was also his personal best of 2014. Dominican Republic’s reigning Olympic champion Felix Sanchez was fourth across the line in 48.91, his fastest time of the year so far.

Deciding to compete in the 400m hurdles this evening, the USA decathlon world record holder Ashton Eaton finished a creditable seventh in 49.58.