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A sixth round put of 21.40 gave the unfancied American Kurt Roberts a shock victory over the world indoor and outdoor champions. Roberts’ winning effort landed just 7cm short of his best ever, pushing Beijing world champion and US compatriot Joe Kovacs down to third as New Zealand’s Portland hero Tom Walsh moved to second. Kovacs had looked all set to clinch a narrow win over Walsh when Roberts unleashed a last round throw to leap from fourth to first. Walsh responded with 21.20 leaving the world leader adrift with a best of 20.82. Poland's double Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski was fourth
Shanghai

Shot Put Men: Roberts shocks world champions with last round winner

Kurt Roberts: "Great to win here in Shanghai! The ring was bit slippery, so I changed my left shoe to a faster one. During the competition I was thinking about my little daughter, she is 7 months old. I did this for my little baby girl! It is nice to have this shape already this early i nthe season. At the olympics I think I will be in 22m shape. For now I am focussing on the trials."

Tom Walsh:"It was a good start for me in my first Diamond League of the season. I had a good first throw, but then the competition went a little flat in the middle. I was pleased to bounce back with a 21m throw in my final attempt. Overall, I’m pleased to throw over 21m for my first competition of the season."

Joe Kovacs: "It was a little rough out there. We were hoping to put in some big throws today, but it wasn’t to be. The timing was a little off today, but it is still early in the season and hopefully I will be a little more ready for the next Diamond League meeting in Prefontaine."