Sick Kipruto, Bett withdraw from Commonwealth Games trials

Olympic and World 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto and World 800m bronze medallist Kipyegon Bett were among the last minute withdrawals from the Commonwealth Games trials on Saturday at Kasarani.

Kipruto, who is now banking on a wild card from Athletics Kenya, said he has been experiencing severe stomachs pains for the last two days and was advised to rest.

"The pain has been on and off and thought I would be well before the trials," said Kipruto, who is eager to make the Commonwealth Games due April 4-15 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Bett failed to recover from the injury - sustained in training two weeks ago, hence failing to make the trials at Kasarani.

Bett failed to start during the 800m semi-finals in the morning.

"I was really hopeful that the injury would have healed by the trials but unfortunately not.

The 2016 Diamond League 800m series winner Ferguson Rotich won the second semi-final in 1:48.2, beating Jonathan Kitilit in 1:48.4 and Solomon Lekuta 1:48.6.

Edwin Kemboi clocked 1:48.9 followed by David Tome in 1:49.8 to all qualify for the final that was due in the afternoon.

Cornelius Tuwei won the slow first 800m semi-final in 1:49.0, beating Wycliffe Kinyamai 1:49.4 and Jackson Kivuva 1:49.6. Only three athletes qualified from the final from the heat.