Tirop beats Obiri in chase for Doha tickets

Agnes Tirop beats Hellen Obiri to wins 10000m finals during the National Championships at Nyayo Stadium on august 20. [Dennis Okeyo]

World 10,000m bronze medalist Agnes Tirop stunned a classy line-up to pick her ticket to IAAF World Athletics Championships that’s set for state-of-the-art Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on September 28 to October 6.

It was a spectacular sight to behold at Nyayo Stadium yesterday as Tirop, world 5,00m champion Hellen Obiri, newcomer Rosemary Wanjiru of Kenya Prisons, former world cross country champion Irene Kimais and Brilliant Jepkorir engaged in a clinical battle.

They exchanged the lead before Tirop unleashed a powerful kick to win in 31:25.0. Obiri finished second in 31:26.0 ahead of Prison’s Rosemary Wanjiru (31:26.22)

“It was a tactical race. I am glad to win the race and happy that I will return to World Championships. Last time, I won bronze and I was still new in 10,000m but I now have some experience and hope to improve in Doha,” said Tirop.

Said Obiri: “The race was tough. I am happy to have qualified for the World Championships. I hope to defend my 5,000m title and 10,000m as well in Doha.”

Wanjiru was delighted to have made the national team after finishing third in the trials. “I am so happy to make the team. I had really prepared well for the trials and felt strong during the race.”

World under-20 5,000m champion Rhonex Kipruto, Rodgers Kwemoi and Alex Oloitiptip made the men’s 10,000m team to the World Championships.

But three-time world half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor will miss the global showpiece as he is preparing for New York City Marathon in November.

Kamworor, Kiruto, Kwemoi and Oloitiptip dominated the race before Kamworor blasted off with 200m to the finish line.

Kamworor won in 27:24.76 ahead of Kipruto (27:26.34) as Kwemoi, the 2015 World under-20 10,000m champion, timed 27:26.92. Kenya Defence Forces’ Alex Oloitiptip returned fourth in 27:29.40. 

In May, Athletics Kenya named Geoffrey Kirui, Laban Korir,  Paul Lonyangata, Amos Kipruto and Ernest Ngeno in men’s marathon team while Edna Kiplagat leads the women’s team alongside  Visiline Jepkesho, Sally Chepyego and Ruth Chepng’etich 

“This competition is part of my preparations for New York City Marathon,” said Kamworor, the 2015 World 10,000m silver medallist.  

Kamworor seeks to reclaim the New York City Marathon title on November 3. “I believe they will deliver victory in Doha. Rhonex and Kwemoi have great potential and I know they can do it,” said Kamworor.

Kenya last won the world title over the distance in 2001 Edmonton and Kipruto, 19, said;  “i’m  ready to conquer the world, we just need team work” 

Veronica Kerubo won the women’s 400m while. Maximila Imali won long jump in 6.28m as Gloria Mulei came second in 6.91.