Emmanuel Wanyonyi won the 800m gold at the Diamond League Final in Zurich

David Rudisha’s 800m world record from the London 2012 Olympics remains intact after a daring attempt to improve it in the Diamond League final failed. However, the night belonged to Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

The Kenyan star continued his dominant form as he defended his title in Zurich, beating Britain’s Max Burgin in a tense photo finish.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi crossed the finish line in 1:42.37 min. Max Burgin was second in 1:42.42 min. World champion Marco Arop of Canada took third place in 1:42.57 min – his second fastest run of the season.

The race was gripping from start to finish, with Max Burgin pressing Emmanuel Wanyonyi shoulder to shoulder down the final straight and Marco Arop attacking just as hard from behind.

For a moment, it seemed that Emmanuel Wanyonyi was losing strength, his stride shortening in the final 20 meters.

But the 21-year-old gathered his last strength to hold on and secure a third consecutive Diamond League crown, cementing his reputation as David Rudisha’s successor in the two-lap event.