China's Yan Ziyi triumphs with meeting record at Diamond League Finals

In an impressive debut at the World Athletics Diamond League Finals, China's Yan Ziyi claimed her first season-ending title while also setting a new meeting record of 68.42 meters in the women's javelin in Brussels on Saturday.

The 18-year-old Yan had already made waves in track and field, winning all four Diamond League events she entered this season and breaking both the World Under-20 and Asian records with a throw of 71.74 meters in Xiamen back in May.

Her start in the Belgian capital was far from smooth, however, as her initial three attempts yielded just one valid mark – 62.21 meters on her second throw – while Japan's reigning Olympic gold medalist Haruka Kitaguchi seized the early advantage with a heave of 64.56 meters after her first toss.

Determined to claim control of the competition, Yan found her footing in the fourth round, launching a throw of 64.95 meters to take the lead. She followed up with a spectacular effort that sailed a breathtaking 68.42 meters, marking the third-best toss of her career and establishing a new meeting record.

Yan's exceptional performance at the King Baudouin Stadium clinched her maiden Diamond League Finals trophy, while Kitaguchi settled for second place after stalling out at 65.44 meters.