Linz: Olympic champion Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic won the 400-metre hurdles at the Gugl Games on Monday, three days after he was beaten at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm.
Kirani James of Grenada won the 400 metres in his first race since winning at the London Games two weeks ago.
Sanchez led the field from the start and finished in 48.13 to defeat Leford Green of Jamaica, who timed 48.89 in second place. Michael Tinsley of the United States, who beat Sanchez on Friday, took third in 49.49.
“Before Stockholm, I had too much travelling and too much parties,” Sanchez said. “I took some rest the last two days and felt pretty well again today.”
Sanchez grabbed a national flag and ran a lap of honour — just as he did in London.
“There is more about athletics than just start and finish,” Sanchez said. “You have to give the fans what they want.”
Jonathan Borlee of Belgium led the 400-metre race before Jones overtook him in the final 100 metres to finish in 44.46 seconds and beat Borlee by 0.64. Calvin Smith of the United States was 0.88 back in third.
“If you come back from an emotional roller coaster like in London, you have to find your consistency again,” James said.
Double-amputee runner Oscar Pistorius of South Africa was sixth in 46.91 seconds.
“I was a bit tired coming here,” said Pistorius, who is preparing for his return to London for the Paralympics. “I didn’t feel super but the atmosphere was great.”
