Host puts in a sparkling show

With an impressive campaign collectively celebrated on home soil, China's top track and field talent has stolen the show from the world's best at the Diamond League season opener in Xiamen.

No new world records, but the Diamond League's first meet of the year in East China's Fujian province has offered plenty to cheer, especially for local fans, as the host's squad racked up five medals, including one gold, on Saturday, with its blend of youth and experience tested against a strong international field.

The biggest surprise, or perhaps the most underrated performer, was young Chinese prospect Zhang Mingkun, who leaped to gold in the men's long jump. The 24-year-old sailed out to 8.18 meters on his fifth attempt to steal the win from the leader of the first four rounds, Liam Adcock of Australia, to bag his first medal of the league series at Xiamen's Egret Stadium.

His winning jump on Saturday also marked Zhang's personal best, only six centimeters shy of his overall PB of 8.24m, achieved at an indoor meet in Pombal, Portugal, in February.

Adcock — with 8.15m on his third jump — had to settle for silver, while American jumper Marquis Dendy, winner of last year's series leg in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, finished third with 8.10m.