Bolstered by the weekend's success of the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix, organizers are hoping to win a berth in the more prestigious and lucrative Golden League series.

　　"We are hoping to push the meet into the Golden League series," said Jos Hermens, tournament director of the IAAF-sanctioned event. "We will stick to the same timetable next year but for 2007 we are working for something bigger than this ... that is the opening round of the annual summer Golden League series in Shanghai."

　　The six-leg Golden League series is the most prestigious tour on the calendar with a jackpot of US$1 million. The Shanghai meet, although titled Golden Grand Prix, has no links with the popular track and field series.

　　According to Hermens, the Oslo meet may be off the IAAF calender in 2007, making way for Shanghai to move in. He, however, did not reveal why Oslo may drop out but it is rumored that the Norwegian capital may not renew its contract to host the meet.

　　"It's not official yet but we will keep pushing for the possible upgrade," said Hermens. "If that happens then we will reschedule the event to June or July, which will address some of the problems we faced this year."

　　Some of the athletes have complained of fatigue as the season draws to a close. While some of them are battling injuries many more were already looking forward to the winter break.

　　"I would love to come back again next year but I really wish it took place earlier in the season so that I can put on my best show before such a great audience," said Tonique Williams-Darling of Bahamas. The sprinter won the women's 400 meters comfortably on Saturday night but her 50.25 seconds time was far below the 49 she raced in other events earlier this year.

　　Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva could only clear 4.65 meters despite breaking four records this year.

　　The only consolation for the fans - and organizers as well - was crowd favorite Liu Xiang, who registered a joint season best of 13.05 in the 110-meter hurdles.