Moses Mosop leading the 10,000m at the Kenyan World Championships Trials which he won (© Okoth)
World 5000m champion Eliud Kipchoge was beaten today, Saturday, into fourth place in the biggest shock at the Kenyan World Championships Trials held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kipchoge was beaten by Isaac Songok, who won in 13:11.01, as Benjamin Limo followed in 13:11.05 and John Kibowen, also crossed the finish (13:14.04) ahead of Kipchoge who was timed 13:17.06.
“I have no hard feelings because everybody, including Michael Schumacher can be beaten. But, even though, I was focusing on the 1500m only to be told (by the Kenyan Federation) to run the 5000m, this kind of affected me,” an obviously irritated Kipchoge told reporters.
Kipchoge was, however, still included in the team going to the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, as he is the defending champion.
Kipketer misses out on 10,000m team ticket
Commonwealth 5000m champion Sammy Kipketer was beaten to fourth place in the 10,000m which was won by Moses Mosop in 27:51.8, as former World champion Charles Kamathi followed in 27:59.0. Japanese-base Martin Irungu was third in 28:01.0, with Kipketer following in 28:07.8.
Kemboi backs Koech team place claim
Olympic 3000m Steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi led Brimin Kipruto, who was second in Athens Olympics, into the top two positions, as Paul Koech, who was third in Athens, was relegated to fifth place.
Kemboi won in 8:18.7, while Kipruto followed in 8:21.5 and Michael Kipyego was third in 8:23.7. Koech timed 8:28.8 behind David Chemweno, who was fourth in 8:25.1.
“I want Koech in the team despite finishing fifth. He is a good runner and when we are the three of us, I am sure we shall sweep all the medals,” said Kemboi.
Officials named Kemboi and Kipruto only in the team to the World championships, saying they will name a third athlete, later.
Wilfred Bungei won the men’s 800m in a fast 1:44.11, to head the Kenyan trio for Helsinki.
Ochichi and Masai are included in Helsinki squad
The women's 5000m was won by Olympics silver medallist Isabella Ochichi in 15:10.3, with teenager Veronica Nyarwai second in 15:13.1.
Edith Masai, who won 5000m bronze in the 2003 World Championships, ran in the 10,000m and finished only fourth in 32:25.0. The race was won by Alice Timbilil in 31:45.4, as Irene Kwambai followed in 32:01.8. Masai, who ran the season's second fastest time in the Netherlands a week ago, was included in the team.
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
Helsinki Team:
Men:
800m – Wilfred Bungei, Alfred Kirwa, William Yiampoy;
1500m – Daniel Kipchirchir Komen, Paul Korir, Alex Kipchirchir,
3000m Steeplechase – Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto;
5000m – Isaac Songok, Benjamin Limo, John Kibowen, Eliud Kipchoge;
10,000m – Moses Mosop, Charles Kamathi, Martin Irungu;
20km Walk – David Kimutai;
Marathon – Martin Lel, Jimmy Muindi, Joseph Riri, Wilson Onsare, Robert Cheboror.
Women:
1500m – Nancy Jebet Lagat;
3000m Steeplechase – Salome Chepchumba, Jeruto Kiptum, Jackline Chemwok;
5000m – Isabella Ochichi, Prisca Jepleting;
10,000m – Alice Timbilil, Irene Kwambai, Edith Masai;
Marathon – Catherine Ndereba, Beatrice Omwanza, Rita Sitienei, Tegla Loroupe, Hellen Chemtai.
Officials: Dan Muchoki, Peter Mathu, David Kitur (coaches), Rose Muturi (chaperone), Dr Ngundo, Japheth Kamakini (doctors), Fred Jesaragon (physiotherapist), Saoli ole Kanai (team manager), Paul Mutui (assistant team manager).
RESULTS:
MEN
100m
1. Gilbert Opiyo 10.53
2. Kipkemboi Soi 10.84
3. Jackson Mwaura 11.00
200m
1. Japheth Ogamba 21.64
2. Joseph Wambulwa 22.15
3. Benson Ligeve 22.61
400m
1. Thomas Musembi 45.69
2. Sammy Rono 46.00
3. George Kwoba 46.88
800m
1. Wilfred Bungei 1:44.11
2. Alfred Kirwa 1:44.63
3. William Yiampoy 1:45.06
1500m
1. Daniel Kipchirchir Komen 3:36.75
2. Paul Korir 3:37.41
3. Alex Kipchirchir 3:37.73
5000m
1. Isaac Songok 13:11.01
2. Benjamin Limo 13:11.05
3. John Kibowen 13:14.04
10,000m
1. Moses Mosop 27:51.8
2. Charles Kamathi 27:59.0
3. Martin Irungu 28:01.0
3000m Steeplechase
1. Ezekiel Kemboi 8:18.7
2. Brimin Kipruto 8:21.5
3. Michael Kipyego 8:23.7
WOMEN
100m
1. Hellen Kimutai 12.23
2. Zipporah Ratemo 12.51
400m
1. Elizabetrh Muthoka 52.64
2. Annet Mwanzi 53.80
3. Florence Wasike 54.41
800m
1. Janet Chepkosgei 2:01.9
2. Caroline Chepkwony 2:03.6
3. Charity Wandia 2:04.3
1500m
1. Jabet Lagat 4:10.36
2. Naomi Mugo 4:11.62
3. Viola Kibiwott 4:12.47
3000m Steeplechase
1. Jackline Chemwok 9:45.7
2. Jeruto Kiptum 9:51.4
3. Salome Chepchumba 10:00.05
5000m
1. Isabella Ochichi 15:10.3
2. Veronica Nyarwai 15:13.1
3. Prisca Jepleting 15:14.5
10,000m
1. Alice Timbilil 31:45.4
2. Irene Kwambai 32:01.8
3. Susan Chepkemei 32:24.5
