Rotich, Bett cruise to 800m finals

Kipyegon Bett (073) crosses the finish line to win the 800m race at the World Championship trials on June 23, 2017 at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

What you need to know:

  • The 2016 Diamond League Series 800m winner Ferguson Rotich and World Under-20 800m champion Kipyegon easily won their 800m races to qualify for the final at the ongoing World Championships trials at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.
  • Rotich, who is targeting his second World Championships appearance, won the first semi with the fastest time of 1:45.2, beating Emmanuel Korir and 2014 World Under-20 800m Champion Alfred Keter in 1:45.5 and 1:45.9 as they both qualified.

The 2016 Diamond League Series 800m winner Ferguson Rotich and World Under-20 800m champion Kipyegon Bett easily won their 800m races to qualify for the final at the ongoing World Championships trials at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.

Rotich, who is targeting his second World Championships appearance, won the first semi with the fastest time of 1:45.2, beating Emmanuel Korir and 2014 World Under-20 800m Champion Alfred Keter in 1:45.5 and 1:45.9 as they both qualified.

Ferguson Rotich (077) lead his compatriots during the 800m race at the World Championship trials on June 23, 2017 at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

Bett served notice of his talent with a nonchalant win in his heat.

Bett clocked 1:45.9 to win the second semi, beating Michael Saruni and Job Kinyor in 1:46.1 and 1:46.3 as they all qualified for the final due Saturday.

World and Olympic champion David Rudisha stayed away.

Among the casualties in the semis were 2012 London Olympics 800m bronze medallist and World Under-18 800m champion Willy Tarbei.

"I am just taking it easy to see how the final will go," said Bett.

800m men semi finals 1

1. Ferguson Rotich 1:45.2

2. Emmanuel Korir 1:45.5

3. Alfred Kipketer 1:45.9

4. Jackson Kivuva1:46.1

5. Bernard Kipyego 1:42.2

6. Wycliffe Kinyamal 1:46.4

Men's 800m semi final 2

1. Kipyegon Bett 1:45.9

2. Michael Saruni 1:46.1

3. Job Kinyor 1:43.3

4. Willy Tarbei 1:46.7

5. Nicholas Kiplagat 1:46.9

6.Nicholas Kipkoech 1:47.2