Diamonds in the rough

Amateurs get their chance to shine alongside pros at Shanghai showcase

The IAAF Diamond League Shanghai is an annual showcase of speed and strength for some of the world's finest professional athletes - and now amateurs are getting an insider's perspective on the scintillating action.

To celebrate the event's 10th anniversary and introduce more people to the world of athletics, the inaugural Diamond Open for amateurs was staged at Shanghai University of Sport last Saturday, attracting more than 800 athletics aficionados from across China.