Gong Lijiao in the shot put at the IAAF Continental Cup Marrakech 2014 (© Getty Images)
World champion Gong Lijiao starts as favourite in a field that includes five of the top six women on this year's world lists.
The Chinese thrower took bronze at this year's World Indoor Championships, but has been unbeaten outdoors. Her record this year includes an Asian Games gold, IAAF Diamond League title and the world-leading mark of 20.38m.
The only other woman to surpass 20 metres this year is Christina Schwanitz. The 2015 world champion from Germany has had a successful comeback season after giving birth last year. She was beaten into second place at the European Championships, hampered by injuries suffered in a car accident shortly before, but looks to be on the up again with 19.50m and third place at the IAAF Diamond League final.
Paulina Guba, the woman who beat Schwanitz to take the European title, is also in the field. The Pole made great progress this year, with her personal best now standing at 19.38m.
Both Americas entries in the field are strong challengers as well. Raven Saunders of the US stands third in the world with 19.67m and nearly matched that mark to finish in runner-up position at the IAAF Diamond League final. Jamaica's Danniel Thomas-Dodd is the Commonweath Games champion and world indoor silver medallist, with a best of 19.36m.
Pawel Jackowski for the IAAF
