Reinforcing the power that propelled her to Olympic gold in the 5000 metres, Meseret Defar cruised to a commanding win in the 3000, setting a competition record 8:36.46 - the fifth fastest peformance in the world this year - in the process.
Playfully toying with the field, the 20-year-old Ethiopian remained near the front throughout the race, waiting for the moment to strike. Margaret Maury of France was the ad hoc pacesetter, bringing the field through the first kilometre in 2:54.89 and to the second in just over 5:51.
Russia's Yelena Zadorozhnaya, third in yesterday's 1500, led the five-woman lead pack through the bell, but Defar, just off her shoulder, soon forged ahead unchallenged for the comfortable win. The Russian held on for second in 8:37.65, a seasonal best, with Polish standout Lidia Chojecka third in 8:39.16, also a seasonal best. Briton Jo Pavey, fifth in Athens, improved a notch here, reaching the line in 8:40.22, well ahead of Ethiopian number two, Sentayehu Ejigu, who clocked a personal best 8:42.63.
A Kenyan threat for a podium spot never materialized. Alice Timbilili, an Olympic finalist in the 10,000, was a distant seventh in 8:50.46, with Sally Barsosio, the former World champion in the 10,000, was 10th (8:56.49).
BR
