News13 Sep 2008


Women's 5000 Metres

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Meseret Defar in Stuttgart (© Getty Images)

That little master at securing race wins with her impressive turn of pace did so again as Meseret Defar of Ethiopia regained the 5000m title for what she hopes will be the first half of a 3000m/5000m double.

The Ethiopian last won this event in 2005 and successfully shrugged off the attentions of long-time leader Vivian Cheruiyot over the last 200m to bag the race win in 14:53.82.

Cheruiyot, the diminutive Kenyan had to settle for second spot in 14:54.60 with Meselech Melkamu of Ethiopia, the World Indoor 3000m silver medallist third in 14:58.76.

After Priscah Cherono of Kenya took the field through the first kilometre in 3:02.38, Cheruiyot, the 2007 champion, hit the front and dictated the pace with Defar never more than a stride behind.

The leader produced successive 3:01 km between 2km and 4km and still led at the bell, although ominously Defar remained poised on her shoulder at the bell.

With 200m remaining Defar could wait no longer and made her move, however it was initially not decisive and the pair ran stride for stride - Defar on Cheruiyot's outside - as they entered the straight.

However, there was a familiar air of predictability about the final 100m as Defar's blistering pace eventually opened daylight over Cheruiyot to deliver victory and $30,000. 

It was Defar's sixth IAAF World Athletics Final title to add to the four she has already won over 3000m.

Steve Landells for the IAAF

      

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