Kiprop, Kiplagat clash in Oslo
Kenya’s Asbel Kiprop (right) and Silas Kiplagat celebrate after winning gold and silver medals respectively in the men’s 1,500m at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu in September 2011. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- While Kiplagat won his first event of the season, clocking a world lead of 3:35.29 in Shanghai, Kiprop has lost in two outings – in 800m race in Doha and in the one mile race at Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.
- Kiprop, who was the favourite going into the Doha, was forced to settle for fifth in 1:45.11 in men’s two-lap race that was comfortably won by World Indoor 1,500m champion, Ayanleh Souleiman from Djibouti in a season lead time of 1:43.78.
- The Kenyans are once again up against Souleiman, 2012 London Olympics 1,500m champion Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi and 2007 World 1,500m champion Bernard Lagat from USA.
World champion Asbel Kiprop and compatriot Silas Kiplagat clash for the second time this year at Oslo Diamond League meet today in Norway.
The duo will renew their rivalry in a Dream Mile race that will also feature upcoming Kenyan athletes.
While Kiplagat won his first event of the season, clocking a world lead of 3:35.29 in Shanghai, Kiprop has lost in two outings – in 800m race in Doha and in the one mile race at Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.
Kiprop, who was the favourite going into the Doha, was forced to settle for fifth in 1:45.11 in men’s two-lap race that was comfortably won by World Indoor 1,500m champion, Ayanleh Souleiman from Djibouti in a season lead time of 1:43.78.
Kiprop would finish third at the Prefontiane Classic in 3:51.25, losing the battle to Souleiman (3:51.10) as American Matthew Centrowitz came second in 3:51.20. Kiplagat timed 3:51.92 to settle for fourth place. Nevertheless, Kiprop is highly rated followig his victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and successive World Championship titles in 2011 and 2013. He has also won the Dream Mile thrice and will be seeking a fast time ahead of the World Championships due August 22 to 30 in Beijing, China.
Kiplagat, who won the 2014 Diamond League Series that was bolstered by a best of 3:27.64 from Monaco, boasts a great mile of 3:47.88, which is the third fastest amongst all the entrants in the race. Other Kenyans, who can impact the race are World junior record holder and Commonwealth silver medallist Ronald Kwemoi and Hillary Cheruiyot.
The Kenyans are once again up against Souleiman, 2012 London Olympics 1,500m champion Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi and 2007 World 1,500m champion Bernard Lagat from USA.
In the women’s 1,500m, Kenya’s Irene Cheptai and Viola Kibiwott will be looking for their first win but must contend with Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia, who won at Prefontaine Classic and 2008 World Indoor 1,500m champion Gelete Burka.
Olympic and World champion Ezekiel Kemboi should have a field day again in men’s 3,000m steeplechase after his word lead victory of 8:01.71 in Prefontaine.
