Kipruto races to Kenyas third gold in London

Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto struck Kenya’s third gold in London as he mastered the threat of American favourite Evan Jager to win the World men’s 3000m steeplechase gold on Tuesday.

In a brutal race that saw Soufiane Elbakkali desperately try to hunt Kipruto down on the home straight, the 22-year-old held on to continue Kenya’s dominance in the discipline.

Kipruto kicked with 300 metres remaining and held on to see off the threat posed by Moroccan Soufiane Elbakkali, who also surged past Jager coming into the final straight.

Kipruto timed 8min 14.12 sec, with Elbakkali taking silver at 0.37sec and Jager bronze (8:15.53).

Two time Olympics and four time World Champion Ezekiel Kemboi who had hoped to retire with a medal clocked  8:29.38 for 11th place while compatriot and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Jairus Birech finished just behind him in 8:32.90.

The race started off at a slow pace with Birech hitting the front in the first lap as Kipruto followed him at from the back.

They continued exchanging the lead with their East African archrivals from Ethiopia. All the while Kemboi had not yet responded as he opted to remain  in the chasing pack.

With four laps to go, American Evan Jager the world leader took charge of the race as Kipruto and Kemboi kept close tabs on him.

As the race got into the crucial place Kemboi lost touch with the leaders as Jager increased the pace followed closely by Kipruto.

At the bell, Kipruto charged for the front and went for the only title missing in his collection with ease.

In the second final of the evening, Bett bagged a bronze medal after stopping the timer at 1:45.21.

Frenchman Pierre-Ambroise Bosse denied Bett his first world title after taking top podium place in 1:44.67, as Polish Adam Kszczot took silver in 1:44.95.

On Wednesday, Olympics silver medalist and defending World Champion Hyving Kiyeng will lead Commonwealth Games Champion Purity Cherotich Kirui, World Junior Champion Celliphine Chepteek Chepsol and Beatrice Chepkoech in the women’s 3000m steeplechase qualifying rounds for Friday’s final.

Former All-Africa Games silver medalist Josphat Kiprono Menjo will rely on his experience to ensure former Commonwealth Youth Games Champion Davis Kiplangat and Cyrus Rutto qualify for the semi-final in the men 5,000m.

Last year team Kenya did not have a representative in the final during the Rio Olympics Games after they were bundled out at the a semi-finals .

Wednesday, August 9 (Kenyan time)

21:05 W 3000m steeplechase Heats

22:05 M 5000m Heats