David Storl on his way to winning the shot at the IAAF Continental Cup, Marrakech 2014 (© Getty Images)
Two-time world champion David Storl took a dominant victory in the men’s shot put to collect maximum points for Europe.
Sitting in second place after his 20.43m opener, the 24-year-old German took firm control of proceedings in the second round when he reached 21.19m.
He fouled in round three but with his victory already sealed, he improved to 21.55m with the competition’s final toss.
“I didn’t train much in the last week since I’ve just started my last year of studies so it was a bit challenging,” said Storl, who became the seventh German – East, West and reunified – to win the World Cup or Continental Cup title.
Tonight and tomorrow Storl apparently plans to celebrate his 15th victory of the season before undergoing knee surgery next week.
Jamaica’s O’Dayne Richards, the surprise winner at this year's Commonwealth Games, was second, his best a 21.10m effort in the second round.
Joe Kovacs of the USA and Americas, this season’s only 22-metre putter with 22.03m to win at the US Championships, opened with a 20.55m effort and improved to 20.87m in the second round, an attempt that was initially ruled a foul.
Kovacs protested and eventually the throw was allowed to count, and wound up being good enough for third.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
