Cheruiyot in action today, Chepngetich makes semis

Kenya's Timothy Cheruiyot celebrates after winning the Men's 1500m race during the IAAF Diamond League competition on September 6, 2019, in Brussels. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

Timothy Cheruiyot, who has been in transcendent form over men’s 1,500m in the past two years will lead three other Kenyans as he starts his chase for a world title today at the ongoing World Championships in Doha.

With world 1,500m champion Elijah Manangoi not available to defend his title after sustaining an ankle injury in training, Cheruiyot a newly promoted Inspector at Kenya Prisons Services is out to ensure the country retains the title.

Cheruiyot, who is also the world 1,500m silver medalist heads the 2019 world list with the 3:28.77 he recorded in Lausanne earlier in the year will have the company of Elijah’s younger brother George Managoi, the reigning world Under-20 champion, 2015 world Under-20 champion Kumari Taki and Ronald Kwemoi.

“I’m much aware of the level of competition awaiting us in the Doha. But, I’m very focused and hope I will do well in the championship. There is also pressure to deliver gold medal, but generally, I am promising Kenyans the best,” said Cheruiyot.

Meanwhile, 1,500m world champion Faith Chepngetich easily qualified for today’s semi-final alongside teammate Winny Chebet.

Chepngetich, also an Olympic champion over the distance finished second in heat two-timing 4:03.93 behind 10,000m world champion Sifan Hassan of Netherlands who clocked 4:03.88.

American Nikki Hiltz (4:04.00) was third ahead of Winnie Nanyondo of Uganda while Ciara Megeean of Ireland also got an automatic qualification in fifth place alongside Sarah McDonald in fifth place.

In the second heat, Continental Cup champion Chebet, the second Kenyan in the event also made it to the semi-final as she crossed the line in second place after 4:08.36 in a race won by Rababe Arafi of Morocco in 4:08.32.