Obiri leads the way as trio makes 5000m final
Kenya's Hellen Obiri (right) competes in the Women's 5000m heats at the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships at the Khalifa International stadium in Doha on October 2, 2019. PHOTO | JEWEL SAMAD |
What you need to know:
- Obiri timed 14:52.13 to win Heat one ahead of American Karissa Schweizer (14:52.41) while Ethiopia's Hawi Feysa clocked 14:53.85 for third place.
IN DOHA
Defending champion Hellen Obiri led compatriots Margaret Chelimo and Lillian Kasait eased into the semi-finals of the women's 1500m at the World Championships here on Wednesday.
Obiri timed 14:52.13 to win Heat one ahead of American Karissa Schweizer (14:52.41) while Ethiopia's Hawi Feysa clocked 14:53.85 for third place.
Obiri, who had on Monday said she would not compete in the 5000m race but changed her mind at the last minute on Tuesday and competed in the race, said her priority remains to retain her title.
"I changed my strategy and ran a quick race from the front," Obiri said.
Kasait (15:03:03) finished fourth in the second heat that also had fellow Kenyan Margaret Chelimo (15:01:08). The heat was won by Ethiopia's Tsehay Gemechu in a time of 15:01.07. The top five athletes from the heats qualified for the final alongside the next fastest five from the heats.
The final will be held on Saturday.
