India, May 18 -- With Neeraj Chopra it was always a matter of when and not if. Destined for glory since he burst onto the scene nine years back with the under-20 world title - with a world record that still stands - Chopra had won everything there is going into Friday's Diamond League meet in Doha. Everything but the distance he has so long desired.

The 90m barrier that was building Chopra's frustration despite his consistent results was finally breached in the warm Qatari capital when his efforts and the elements came together in symphony. If it still wasn't a perfect script, that is because Chopra's 90.23m was pipped by Julian Weber's 91.06m in the final attempt of the competition. For once, the fiercely competitive Indian wouldn't hav...