Former world javelin champion Julius Yego finished 5th at the 6th edition of Kip Keino Classic held today at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Receiving was reception from home fans, Yego hauled 78.78m as season best in an event won by Brazilian Luiz Mauricio Da Silva who set the meet record of 86.34 also as his personal best followed by Germany international Thomas Hohler (80.79) and Portuguese Lesandro Ramos was third 80.68.
Another Kenyan Alex Kiprotich Toroitich was 9th at 74.17m as his season best.
Da Silva said that it was a great experience to come back to Kenya for the second time feel the good competition for the solid series throws.
“Now, I need to prepare for this year’s Tokyo Championships. I’m pleased with my performance today, and my goal for my next competition in Portugal is to maintain this form, especially throwing consistently like I did today, so I achieve more personal bests or even an Area Record – like today, this throw is an Area Record for South America. I feel that I’m in the right shape for my next events, all I can do now is to be grateful to Kenya for the event you’ve put on, the whole atmosphere – everyone in the crowd was cheering and this is very positive during a competition,” said Da Silver.
In shot put, national champion George Malala threw 16.66m to win the title ahead of Benson maina Wachira and Leonard Bett at 15.56m and 15.27m.
“I’m happy with the results, the rhythm is not there but I know as we continue it will where I want. I want to focus on my technique so that I can first qualify for Africa Championships,” said Malala.