Lalang leads Kenyan clean sweep in 800m
AFP | NATION. Kenya's Boaz Kiplagat Lalang competes during the 800m men's qualification event of the Track and Field competition of the XIX Commonwealth games on October 8, 2010 in New Delhi. Boaz Lalang led a Kenyan clean sweep in the men's 800m at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday
NEW DELHI, Sunday
Boaz Lalang led a Kenyan clean sweep in the men's 800m at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, making the most of the absence of world record-holding countryman David Rudisha.
Lalang, the World Indoor Championships silver medallist, crossed the line in 1:46.60, well off Steve Cram's Commonwealth record, after a powerful sprint to the finish.
He held off teammate Richard Kipagat who finished second and Abraham Kiplangat who came third.
The event though was diminished by Rudisha, who broke the 13-year-old world record twice in August, not being here.
He cited fatigue for not showing up, yet despite this Kenya proved it still has depth in its squad with Lalang stepping up.
Lalang is the third fastest man in the world this year, behind Rudisha and Abukaker Kaki.
