Sum, Yego triumph

By JOSEPH NGURE

Eunice Sum and Elkana Yego obliterated their senior colleagues in the 1,500m to win in their races as the curtain came down on the National Bank Athletics Kenya track and field meeting in Kitale.

Sum, who is being groomed by Olympic 800m Silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei, set the charged Kenyatta Stadium aflame with startling finish.

She clocked four minutes 14.3 seconds to beat her mentor Jepkosgei who finished sixth after she was tripped in the last lap.

"I did not want to get boxed. I had to slow down after realising that we were jostling for space in the inner lane. I was also sure Sum was better placed to win," said Jepkosgei, also the World 800m Bronze medallist.

Janet Kisa, who returned the fastest time in the semis on Friday, arrived second in 4:15.7 with former junior champion Winnie Chebet taking the third position, timed 4:16.0.

Elkana Yego ruled the roost in the men four-lap race, beating his closest rival Vincent Kibet after former Africa Champion and race favourite Haron Keitany skipped the event. Yego was timed at 3:43.2 with Kibet in tore at 3:44.0.

Former World Youth Silver medallist Mike Too, on a come back attempt, finished third after out-classing New Zealand’s Zane Robertson, the fan’s favourite, over the last 80m. Too clocked 3:44.7 while Zane, a 5,000m specialist (13:19), was timed at 3:45.1. His twin brother, Jake, who surprised Kenyans by winning his semi-final with ease, was placed seventh in 3:48.1.

The 800m final saw favourites Asbel Kiprop, the Olympic 1,500m champion, and Hillary Tuwei crashed out of the race with 350m to go.