Zurich, Aug 29 (IANS) — Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra admitted he has work to do ahead of next month’s World Championships in Tokyo after finishing second in the Diamond League Final with a best effort of 85.01m.
Chopra struggled to find rhythm through the evening and managed his top throw only on the sixth attempt, marking his third consecutive runner-up finish on the circuit.
“The timing was not so good today, the run-up was not so good. There was something missing, but I still have three weeks for the World Championships and I will try my best,” Chopra said after the event. “This was not too bad, but I still need to throw a little bit farther. Some things went well, some did not.”
Germany’s Julian Weber stole the show with a sensational meeting record of 91.51m, following up his opening 91.37m effort with a new personal best and world-leading mark on his second attempt. The 30-year-old’s twin throws established him as a strong favourite for the World Championships title.
Chopra, who has been managing a right groin issue, acknowledged the competition was tough but remained upbeat. “Today was a hard day, but I still managed over 85 metres. I feel good physically and just need to get the timing right,” he said.
The Indian star had qualified for the Diamond League Final by winning in Paris in June with 88.16m. Earlier in May, he produced his lifetime best and national record of 90.25m in Doha, his first throw beyond the 90m barrier. Chopra had hoped to replicate that in Zurich but will now turn his focus to defending his world title in Tokyo.
