ATHLETICS STARS TO LIGHT UP ELDORET: Rudisha, Bett to clash in 400m at Kipchoge Stadium meet tomorrow

Kenya's Nicholas Bett celebrates winning the final of the men's 400 metres hurdles athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in Beijing on August 25, 2015. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN

Fireworks are expected when world 800m record holder David Rudisha takes on world 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett at the Athletics Kenya track and field meeting that starts tomorrow in Eldoret.

By yesterday, the meet venue had not been decided whether it will be held at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium or University of Eldoret track since the contractor, who refurbished Kipchoge Keino Stadium, has closed it demanding his dues.

That will count for nothing when Bett teams up with his elder brother Haroun Koech, a semi-finalist at the Beijing worlds last August, to battle Rudisha, who is keen to retain his two-lap race title at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August.

Africa junior 400m silver medallist Alex Sampao and Alphas Kishoyian, a silver medallist at the IAAF World Youth Championships in 2011 in 400m hurdles, will spice up the line-up.

World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop, who successfully defended his title in Beijing last year, is also expected at the Kipchoge Stadium.

The 26-year-old Kiprop is keen to make amends to counter his track rivals Silas Kiplagat, who will represent the Kenya Prisons squad, and world silver medallist Elijah Manangoi.

Kiprop, who set a new stadium record at Kipchoge Keino Stadium last year, said: “I will compete in the Eldoret meet. I really want to stick to 1,500m up to next year when I defend my title at the world championships in London then see whether to change. I know the battle will not be easy.”

Nixon Chepseba, another star to watch who has played the brides maids role to Kiprop and Kiplagat for long, will be out to answer his critics.

The North Rift town, often billed as the Mecca of world athletics, will no doubt choke with humanity as global track stars, preparing to compete in Diamond League meetings will be in attendance.

Most athletes will also use the event to tune up their speed and endurance ahead of the forthcoming IAAF Diamond League meetings in Doha, Qatar (May 6), Shanghai, China (May 14) Eugene, Oregon (May 28), Rome (June 2), Birmingham (June 5), Oslo (June 9) and Stockholm on June 16.

Olympic 800m bronze medallist Timothy Kitum and little known 5,000m runner Amos Korir are also expected to compete in Eldoret.

Jairus Kipchoge, the 2015 IAAF Diamond League winner and fourth at the Beijing worlds in 3,000m steeplechase, is keen to start off the season on a high note at home.

Athletics Kenya public relations officer Evans Bosire said they expect a high standard competition.

“With the championship in Eldoret, where there are many world beating stars and given this is an Olympic year, we expect athletes to turn up in large numbers,” said Bosire.