Top Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian does a U-turn and will compete in Hong Kong after all

Chinese superstar sprinter Su Bingtian has made a U-turn and will compete at the Wan Chai Sports Ground on Sunday after all.

The 28-year-old, the first Chinese to run a sub-10 second in the men’s 100 metres, was originally scratched off the list because of a foot injury sustained in training in Shenzhen last week but he has made a speedy recovery and will be the main attraction at this weekend’s Hong Kong Championships.

“His foot has healed faster than anticipated and Su will race in Hong Kong,” said coach Randy Huntington.

Su’s about-turn is expected to be a boost for organisers of the championships, who are delighted that one of Asia’s top sprinters will be able to showcase his sprinting skills.

Su, who twice clocked 9.99 seconds in the men’s 100 metres, was one of several invited athletes for the annual Hong Kong event. The Chinese sprinter also wanted to use the race as part of his preparations for next week’s Diamond League in Shanghai.

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The star sprinter picked up the foot injury last Tuesday and Huntington had indicated that Su would “stay out of spikes for the next four to five days” turning down, at first, the opportunity to race in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association is also keen to see Su in action as he will be able to inspire local sprinters who have all been struggling after winning bronze in the 4x100 metre relay at the 2014 Asian Games.

“Su is in the same generation as some of our best sprinters and many have competed against him in the early days,” said association vice-chairman Simon Yeung Sai-mo. “Su has now become a top sprinter and is in a class of his own. It would be a great opportunity for our runners to learn from their mainland counterpart.”

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Su will be put straight into the men’s 100 metres final on Sunday afternoon while other Hong Kong participants will have to start in either the heats or semi-finals.