Olympic bronze medallist Paul Koech took full advantage of the absence of World champion and record holder Said Saaeed Shaheen to dominate the men’s 3000m Steeplechase. While the Qatari was a surprise non starter Koech led virtually from start to finish to win in 8:07.91, some recompense at least for his disappointing seventh in Helsinki.
“I was so sad with my place in Helsinki,” he said. “But I’m very proud tonight to run alone from beginning to end.”
By 1000m (2:38.53) Koech - who has consistently been this season’s second best steeplechaser - had a lead of 15 metres. He then ran 2:40.20 for the next kilometre to open up a gap of 50 metres which he held virtually to the line.
Running alone, he passed 2km in 5:18.73 and maintained his form to finish some 30 metres ahead of the fast-finishing field.
Behind him a trio of Kenyans battled for second place over the last lap with Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi finishing strongest. He took second in 8:09.04, a tenth inside his previous best of the year, while Brimin Kipruto was third in 8:09.20 sprinting past Wesley Kiprotich in the last five metres.
MB
