Tarbei, Bett into 800m final as Ladema claims bronze

IN BYDGOSZCZ, POLAND

World Youth 800m champion Willy Tarbei and World Youth 800m silver medallist Kipyegon Bett set up a possible 1-2 finish in Sunday’s 800m final after they won their respective semi-finals at the World Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Tarbei, who is also the Commonwealth 800m champion, cleared the first 400m in 32.04 before winning the slow race in 1:48.28, beating Gorata Gabankitse from Botswana in 1:48.31. They were on the qualifiers from the second semi-final.

However, its Bett who blitzed past the 400m mark in 51.85 to win with the fastest time of 1:46.37, brushing aside Jesus Tonatiu Lopez from Mexico in 1:47.25.

Moroccan Mostafa Smaili won the first semi-final in 1:46.51 for the second fastest qualifying time.

“I only warmed up for 20 minutes hence the slow race. I won’t take chances in the final,” said Tarbei, who is intending to lower his personal best of 1:44.51. "We should wrap up the tournament in style for the Kenyans back at home."

Bett, the Africa Youth 800m champion, is not only targeting a podium finish but to also shave some seconds from his personal best of 1:44.14.

“The race went the way I wanted,” said Bett. “We shall plan well for the 1-2 assault hence we should expect a fast race.”

LADEMA CLAIMS BRONZE

Earlier, Kenya’s Wesley Ladema settled for bronze when he slackened in the last 200m to let Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega claim the men’s 5,000m race title. 

Barega seemed to shove Ladema, who lost balance in the last 200m, as he cruised to victory in a personal best of 13:21.21.

Dire Jamal from Djibouti blitzed his way past Ladema and Eritrea’s Aron Kifle, who had earlier on won silver in men’s 10,000m to claim silver in a National Youth record of 13:21.50.

“It’s not the way I expected but I am happy for the bronze since this is my first major outing,” said Ladema. “All was well but Barega pushed me and I lost balance.”