Kenyan athletes fire warning shot in Doha

What you need to know:

  • Asbel Kiprop and Conseslus Kipruto eased to victory in Doha on Friday.
  • Commonwealth 5,000m champion Mercy Cherono finished second in the women’s 3,000 race.
  • Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia beat Cherono and Vivian Cheruiyot in the 3,000m race.
  • The Kenyans attributed their successes in Doha to the thousands of fans who thronged the Qatar Sports Club to cheer them.

Kenyan track stars started off the Diamond League season on a high note at the first meeting in Doha, with Asbel Kiprop and Conseslus Kipruto easing to victory on Friday.

Triple 1,500 world champion Kiprop, won over the distance with a world leading time of 3 minutes 32.15 seconds before paving the way for Conseslus Kipruto’s to triumph in the 3,000m steeplechase.

Behind Kiprop was fast-rising Elijah Manangoi, the world 1,500m silver medallist, who finished second with 3:33.67 in Doha. Silas Kiplagat came third after clocking 3:33.86 then Betwell Birgen who managed 3 mins 33.94 seconds. Robert Biwott and Vincent Kibet were sixth and seventh at 3:34.68 and 3:34.81 minutes, respectively.

Commonwealth 5,000m champion Mercy Cherono managed a second place finish in the women’s 3,000 race.

In the 800m women’s race, former world champion South Africa’s Caster Semenya made her intentions known ahead of the Rio Olympic Games after cruising to victory with a world leading time of 1 min, 58.26 seconds, beating Habitam Alemu of Ethiopia (1:59.14) and Diamond League defending champion Kenya’s Sum came third with a season best time of 1:59.74.

Kipruto led a 1-2-3 finish in steeplechase. Four Kenyans recorded personal best times. Beijing world steeplechase silver medallist Kipruto zoomed to victory in the year’s best time of 8:05.13 so far with Diamond League champion Jairus Birech finished three seconds later with 8:08.28 and Abraham Kibiwott was third with a personal best of 8:09.25.

PERSONAL BEST TIMES

John Koech, a Kenyan-born Bahraini was fourth with Barnabas Kipyego and Clement Mutai returning fifth and sixth with personal best times of 8:10.11 and 8:10.65, respectively.

The Series’ record holder, Paul Kipsiele, was pushed to seventh followed by Olympics bronze medallist Abel Mutai coming eight. Double Olympics steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi, who complained of stomach discomfort, finished a distant 12, ahead of Hillary Kipsang.

This is my first race of the season and I’m happy with my time. It will be a hard task to qualify for the Kenyan Team to the Olympics, but I will try my best. The crowd in Doha has been amazing and they kept me going,” said Sum.

Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia beat Cherono and two-time 10,000m world Vivian Cheruiyot champion in the 3,000m race with 8.26.36. Cheruiyot was fourth with 8:31.86, followed by Janet Kisa and Viola Kibiwott.

The Kenyan stars attributed the successes in Doha to the thousands of fans who thronged the Qatar Sports Club to cheer them.

“I’m happy with my time and I’m working on a plan for the Olympics. I really appreciate our Kenyan fans,” said Cherono.

“The race went as planned. I now need to focus on Rabat, Rome and Birmingham Diamond Leagues before the Olympics trials. What a fantastic crowd, I’m glad I made them proud,” said Kipruto.