Doha: Five things we learned

1. Triple jump trophy holders still tip top

Both Christian Taylor and Caterine Ibargüen have been dominant forces in the Diamond Race in recent years. Taylor has now won four Diamond Trophies in a row, while Ibargüen has three. Both got their title defences off to a winning start in Doha, proving that it will be a hard task to topple either the Colombian or the American from the triple jump throne. Ibargüen’s thrilling duel with Yulimar Rojas, however, may be an early sign that this year’s Diamond Race will be tougher than ever for the Colombian. 

2. McLeod makes an early impact

With a Diamond Trophy and three consecutive Doha victories under his belt, you would have been forgiven for expecting David Oliver to breeze through to maximum Diamond Race points in Doha. Instead, the cookie-loving American was left in the shadows by Omar McLeod. The man who professed to "dream of running in the Diamond League" surged to victory, despite hitting two hurdles on his way to the finish line. McLeod may now be the biggest threat to Oliver’s Diamond Race crown. 

3. Ayana unstoppable

After her World Championship gold in Beijing last summer, Almaz Ayana is arguably the favourite to take the Diamond Trophy in the women’s 3000m this season. Despite a brilliant start in Shanghai last year, she missed out on glory as compatriot Genzebe Dibaba kept her at bay in the Diamond Race. This year may be different, and Ayana certainly got off to flyer. She took all ten Diamond Race points and set a world lead, despite claiming not to be 100 per cent fit. 

Performance of the evening?

Almaz Ayana closes the show in Doha with victory over 3000m in a world-leading 8:23.12. #DohaDL

— IAAF Diamond League (@Diamond_League) May 6, 2016

4. Early setback for Birech

Jairus Birech’s consistency over the last few years has been a defining aspect of the men’s 3000m steeplechase Diamond Race. Birech has won the Diamond Trophy for two seasons in a row. The last time he didn’t win it, it was Conseslus Kipruto who got his hands on the trophy, and Kipruto re-emerged to beat Birech in Doha. It was a victory which only adds even more spice to what could prove to be the most open-ended Diamond Race of the season. 

5. Barshim on the back foot

The Diamond Trophy was a useful sweetener in a frustrating season for Mutaz Essa Barshim last year. After winning two years in a row, the Qatari was hoping to launch his campaign for a third consecutive title with a first win in his home Diamond League meeting. Barshim’s home curse continued though. He finished seventh on the night, meaning he failed to pick up any Diamond Race points at all. There is still time, but Barshim faces an uphill struggle to claim his third Diamond Trophy.