Manangoi and Kipkemboi in chase for glory

Kenya 1500m Domnic Kipkemboi wins heat 1 during IAAF World U18 Championships at Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday 12/07/17.[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Another supremacy battle looms between Kenya and arch-rivals Ethiopia as the two middle and long-distance-running nations lock horns in 1,500m boys’ finals today at 6:16pm.

On paper, the hosts remain favourites to finish within the medal bracket after the duo of Dominic Kipkemboi and George Manangoi stormed into the finals with impressive times of 3:48.77 and 3:55.00 in the opening day of the competition on Wednesday.

Abebe Dessassa (3:49.58) and Belete Mekonen (3:56.31) of Ethiopia also easily qualified for the final and remain the major threat to Kenya’s chase for gold.

Algerians Oussama Cherrad, who ran 3:48.93, his new personal best and Rabia Deliba (4:01.70), are the other runners in the final and the home boys will have to be cautious even as they strive to impress the home crowd.

Kenya have dominated the discipline in the championships’ history, having won gold in the past two consecutive events in Cali, Colombia in 2015 and 2013 in Donetsk.

“We will run as a team in the final, keeping in mind that other countries like Ethiopia would like to attack us on our home soil.

“I am in good shape and mentally prepared after running well on day one,” said Manangoi, who will have the support from the stands from his father, Mzee Ole Manangoi.

National trials winner Dominic Kipkemboi, who also won his semi-final on the opening day, will have to keep his cool in order to be in the medal bracket.

Kipkemboi said ahead of the race: “I just want a gold medal and to improve on my personal best in the finals. Victory will make me feel good.”

Head coach Kariuki Gikonyo has urged his charges to keep cool.

“Running at home can sometimes be a disadvantage and athletes tend to be carried away,” he said