Conseslas Kipruto, Ezekiel Kembo, Jairus Birech
ATHLETICS

IAAF worlds: Kipruto, Birech, Kemboi yearning for podium finish

Three Kenyans qualified to compete in the final race of 3,000m steeplechase men in the IAAF world championships in Great Britain.

It was a great day for Olympic gold medalist Conseslus Kipruto, world champion Ezekiel Kemboi and 2015 Diamond League Series winner Jairus Birech keeping hopes of a podium sweep but it was a bad day for former Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto who failed to qualify.

 

Conseslus won his semifinal in 8:23.80 with Kemboi and lucky Birech qualifying among the best losers after finishing fourth and fifth in the first and second semi-finals respectively.

Conseslus predicted a highly tactical final race where the athlete who will be mentally strong and I good shape shall prevail.

Conseslus beat World bronze medalist Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad of France, who finished second in the first semi won by Elbakkali.

Elbakkali and Jager won the first and second semi-finals in 8:22.60 and 8:20.36 where Birech and Kemboi settled fourth and fifth in 8:23.84 and 8:20.61 respectively.

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