• Absence of three-time winner Joshua Cheptegei leaves way clear for new world champion
• Ethiopia heads to Tokyo with the three fastest men in the world this year
• Several leading contenders doubling up with 5000m

On the evening of Sunday 14 September, a new world champion will be crowned in the men's 10,000m. In the absence of three-time world champion Joshua Cheptegei, the men’s 10,000m will be watched with eager anticipation.

Ethiopia remains the most successful nation in this discipline at the World Championships. Although it's been 14 years since they last took home the gold medal, Ethiopia heads to the Japanese capital with three strong chances in the form of world leader Biniam Mehary, Olympic silver medallist Berihu Aregawi, and 2021 Olympic champion Selemon Barega.

The trio sit at the top of the world list following their 1-2-3 finish at the Prefontaine Classic, all finishing inside 26:45 and crossing the line within 1.5 seconds of one another.

At the Olympics last year, the only person to finish ahead of Aregawi was Cheptegei. With the world record-holder absent from Tokyo, Aregawi - winner of four global silver medals - has a great chance of winning his first global gold.

Barega took bronze in Budapest two years ago, finishing one place ahead of Aregawi. He ran 2:05:15 on his marathon debut earlier this year, but is still highly competitive on the track.

Versatile teenager Mehary, meanwhile, holds world U20 records for 1500m and 3000m indoors, as well as 10,000m outdoors. He was sixth in the Olympic 5000m final last year but looks ready to contend for a medal in Tokyo.

Yomif Kejelcha, the 2019 world silver medallist at this distance, is also entered, though most likely as a reserve.

It has been 24 years since Kenya last won the men's 10,000m at the World Championships, but they continue to field strong contenders. The squad for Tokyo features 2022 world silver medallist Stanley Waithaka Mburu and world U20 cross-country champion Ishmael Kipkurui, 10th in Budapest two years ago. US-based Edwin Kurgat and world cross-country bronze medallist Benson Kiplagat are also on the team.

As he did at the Paris Olympics, where he earned bronze medals at both distances, USA's Grant Fisher will contest the 10,000m before turning his attention to the 5000m. Sweden's Andreas Almgren, who this year has set European records at 5000m and 10km on the roads, is also doubling up.

Other athletes entered for both disciplines include US 10,000m champion Nico Young, European bronze medallist Thierry Ndikumwenayo of Spain, French record-holder Jimmy Gressier, European champion Dominic Lobalu. South African 5000m record-holder Adriaan Wildschutt is another athlete to keep an eye on.

Michelle Katami for World Athletics