Photo via BBC Sport

Glitzy innovations but Duplantis still wins - new Ultimate Championship begins

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship commenced in Budapest with an unconventional visual spectacle, showcasing a darkened central field, a vibrant pink sand area, and high-tech television graphics displaying statistical probabilities. Headlining the packed venue of over 20,000 spectators was Armand Duplantis, who authored the tournament's signature track and collected $150,000 from the overall $10m purse.

32m. Governing chief Lord Coe intends for this swift three-day, eight-final opening session to redefine track and field, with stars such as Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, and Masai Russell also securing victories.

26. Celebrating competitors were directed toward an exclusive grandstand area occupied by sprinting legends Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles following a Thursday gala entrance.

Additional action featured British contender Jazmin Sawyers contending strongly in the long jump, while fellow national teammates Keely Hodgkinson, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Georgia Hunter Bell, and Amy Hunt are scheduled to contest the innovative meet on its second day.