Purring Rotich upbeat of bagging gold in 800m

Philip Muchiri in Doha

Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich will be the sole competitor from Kenya in the 800m men’s final in the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Rotich overcame a strong challenge to book a place in Tuesday’s final clocking 1:44.20 to finish second in the first semi final behind the eventual winner, Wesley Vesquez of Puerto Rico.

“I say the race was good for me. Despite the competition I was well prepared. Most runners here I have met before at the Diamond League and I knew they would start strong but my mind was ready,” Rotich told Citizen Digital after confirming his place in the final.

With a place in the last hurdle confirmed, Rotich is optimistic of even a better performance in tomorrow’s eagerly awaited final.

“Being the only Kenyan in the final will give me more pressure, especially being my fourth championship but I will fight for the top,” he added.

“I know lack of my counterparts in the final takes away the ingredient of teamwork but it has happened; there is nothing we can do, but they are many races that I have raced alone, Kenyans should come and support me,”he enthused.

American based Emmanuel Kipkirui Korir narrowly missed the two fastest losers’ position after finishing third in the second semi final in a time of 1:45.19.

“I truly struggled but I appreciate getting to the semi final; now it’s time to fall back and focus on the races ahead, this season I have struggled with injuries,” said Korir.

The last heat was even worse as Ngeno Kipng’etich started strong leading through the first 400m only to lose with 200m to go clocking 1:46.61.

“What I can say is that the race was tough, I used all my energy in the first round so I had nothing left for the second round; what I have learnt is that in the coming races I won’t start again in front,” Ngeno said.

Today’s Diary (Kenya’s events)

1820hrs- 400m heats (Women)

2120hrs- 5000m finals (Men)

2150hrs – 3000m steeplechase final (Women)

2210hrs- 800m final (women)