Eunice Sum, Jonathan Muia strike gold for Kenya

Kenya’s Eunice Jepkoech Sum wins the Commonwealth Games final of the women’s 800m August 1, 2014 at Hampden Park. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Sum, who won the World title in Moscow last August in personal best 1:57.38 was sublime with her front running execution to glide home in 2:00.31, beating Lynsey Sharp from Scotland to silver in 2:01.34.
  • Kipsiro broke Kenyan hearts at the line when he sneaked in on the inside to put his chest forward, winning in 27:56.11 as Bett got silver in personal best time of 27:56.14. Peter Kirui and Charles Cheruiyot from Kenya came home fourth and fifth in 27:58.24 (season best) and 27:59.91 (personal best).

World champion Eunice Sum added a second major silverware to her collection in less than one year when she eased off to women’s 800m victory at the Commonwealth Games at Hampden Park.

It was Kenya’s second victory in the day after former two times World Junior champion Jonathan Muia led Jairus Birech and Olympic and World champion Ezekiel Kemboi to podium places sweep in men’s 3,000m steeplechase.

However, it was Moses Kipsiro from Uganda, who once again broke into Kenya’s party when he retained men’s 10,000m just on the line, beating Kenya’s Josphat Bett to silver.

The exploits saw Kenya increase its medal tally to 18 with seven gold, nine silver and three bronze with two days to go.

Sum, who won the World title in Moscow last August in personal best 1:57.38 was sublime with her front running execution to glide home in 2:00.31, beating Lynsey Sharp from Scotland to silver in 2:01.34. Winnie Nanyondo gave Uganda its second medal in the Games after she settled for bronze in 2:01.38.

“Championships are always tricky since anything can happen hence that is what I was so careful on my expectations here,” said Sum. “But what remains clear is that I had prepared well even though I felt since towards Monaco.”

Sum said she wanted to test her kick at 100m when she allowed her rivals to close in before kicking. “It’s always good to test my body and I feel great,” said Sum, who now targets the Africa Championships next week in Morocco. “I will compete in two more Diamond League races that include Brussels where I want to lower my personal best.”

Kipsiro broke Kenyan hearts at the line when he sneaked in on the inside to put his chest forward, winning in 27:56.11 as Bett got silver in personal best time of 27:56.14. Peter Kirui and Charles Cheruiyot from Kenya came home fourth and fifth in 27:58.24 (season best) and 27:59.91 (personal best).

“I thought I had won after I failed to look on my left where Kipsiro sneaked through,” said Bett, who explained that their plan was spoiled by Levins Cameroon from Canada, who kicked early. “We just had to react to the Canadian, who took off early and looked strong,” said Bett adding that their plan was corrupted after Cheruiyot fell sick.

Kirui said they miscalculated their kick to let Cameroon and Kipsiro interrupt what could have been a good party for them. “My reaction wasn’t good since I was in front all through after Cheruiyot failed to come in front we pace,” said Kirui.

The Kenyans said they will rectify the mistake heading to Morocco for the Africa Championships.” We won’t hit the front as we did today in Morocco. We shall stay with our opponents then we kick together and see how it will go at Africa event,” said Bett.