Lagat, Wariner steal the show

Kenyan-born Lagat coasted home in the men's 1,500, American Wariner dominated the men's 400 and Merritt, stepping down in distance, set the fastest time this year in the men's 200.

The day's biggest drama, however, occurred in the men's 400 hurdles, where world champion Kerron Clement clinched a controversial victory after race organisers botched the placement of the eighth hurdle on the Home Depot Center track.

World 1,500 and 5,000 champion Lagat, bitterly disappointed after injuries deprived him of a medal at last year's Beijing Olympics, won in 3:36.38 with a powerful surge over the last 100.

"The race started well and the pace-maker did a good job," a beaming Lagat told reporters after finishing ahead of Canada's Nate Brannen (3:37.03).

"He is the one who helped me get the good time today.
"I was feeling good all the way. At the bell, I was thinking to myself: 'Should I go now or should I hold off?' But I wanted to wait until 100 metres so I could go.
“And that's exactly what I did. I am really pleased with the win today."
Twice world 400 champion Wariner produced a near-perfect first 60 metres before powering home in 44.66.