Second to Briton Gunnell in their last three meetings, Batten surged past her rival on Monday at the final hurdle, winning in a personal-best time of 53.72 at the Nice Grand Prix. Gunnell was a close second in 53.91.
It was the first time Gunnell had tasted defeat since American Sandra Patrick-Farmer beat her in the Grand Prix final last September.
"I just knew at the eighth hurdle I had a lot left so I just lifted my knees and ran," said Batten. "This was one of my main goals to beat Sally. It really boosts my confidence.
The men's 100 meters was missing its star attraction, Olympic champion Linford Christie having withdrawn earlier because of a pulled hamstring.
With his more illustrious team mates Leroy Burrell and Carl Lewis also absent, Dennis Mitchell of the United States cruised to victory with an ordinary 10.19. Donovan Bailey of Canada was second in 10.25.
In the men's high jump, Cuba's Javier Sotomayor continued to flirt with breaking his own world record, winning with a height of 2.40 meters.
Olympic champion Mark McKoy set a new Austrian national record by winning the 110 hurdles in 13.28.
Ukraine's Sergei Bubka won the pole vault with 5.90 meters, narrowly missing on his third attempt at 6.05. Looking to establish a new season's best, Bubka actually cleared the bar, brushing it with his chest as he dropped into the pit.
Sonia O'Sullivan established an Irish record and the best time of the year in the 1,500. Arguably the best non-Chinese middle distance runner around, she won in three minutes, 59.10 seconds. She recently set a European record in the 3,000.
At the world championships last year she took a fourth in the 3,000 and second in the 1,500, losing to Chinese runners in both races.
(Reuters, AP)
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.