Breaking from the pack over the final turn, Kenyan Edwin Soi kicked to a decisive victory in the 3000, the first track final of the 5th IAAF / VTB Bank World Athletics Final.
As expected, the race was a tactical one, with the entire field still in contention when the bell sounded, 6:55.21 into the race. Briton Mo Farah and Australian Craig Mottram headed the tightly-knit pack as they began the final circuit, but the tempo increasing dramatically, Mottram began to fade when Soi, and compatriot Joseph Ebuya made their decisive moves.
While Soi bolted to the lead –and the eventual victory in 7:48.81—Farah held his ground until Ebuya, a double medallist at the 2006 World Junior Championships, snuck by on the inside to finish second in 7:49.70, 0.19 seconds ahead of the Briton. Mottram, who seemingly faded out of contention with 200m to go, fought back to finish fourth (7:49.89).
Eliud Kipchoge, the Osaka silver medallist in the 5000, was never a factor and finished a distant sixth.
Bob Ramsak