Three-time world champion Kipyegon lays down early marker

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon reacts after competing in the women's 1500m heats during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on September 13, 2025.[ AFP] It was three-time champion Faith Kipyegon's moment to make a statement in round one of the women's 1500m at the World Athletics Championships which kicked off in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday. Her Heat 4 began with huge expectations and Kipyegon, a world record holder in the distance, led from the start to finish, stylishly stamping her authority in a distance she had dominated for years. A brilliant Kipyegon is chasing a fourth world title in Tokyo. The three-time Olympic champion alongside compatriots Nelly Chepchirchir, who topped Heat 2, Susan Ejore (third in Heat 3) and Dorcus Ewoi (4th in Heat 1) all cruised to the women's semi-final set for Sunday afternoon. Chepchirchir took the lead after the bell as she made long powerful strides that propelled her to top place in Heat 2. She clocked 4:07.01. She was followed by Klaudia Kazimierska of Poland (4:07.34) and Salome Afonso representing Portugal (4:07.44). Susa Ejore launched a spirited campaign in Heat 3, finishing third (4:01.99) in a tough group. She was behind group winner Freweyni Hailu of Ethiopia (4:01.23) and USA's Nikki Hiltz (4:01.73). Ewoi was the first to qualify after placing 4th in Heat 1 which was won by Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull. The campaign to reclaim the lost glory in the men's 3000m steeplechase kicked off in earnest, with World Under-20 champion Edmund Serem and world silver medallist Abraham Kibiwott booking their slots in the final scheduled for Monday afternoon. Serem became the first Kenyan to book his place at the finals of the men's 3000m steeplechase after a tactical race in Heat 1. He closely watched the moves from behind and as Japan's Ryuji Miura took the lead. Serem stepped to the middle just behind the leaders in the third lap. By this time, Getnet Wake of Ethiopia was holding the leadership position. The teenager proved his mettle after clearing the last barrier when he unleashed a blistering kick, overpowering Ethiopia's Getnet Wale on the final metres, winning his Heat in 8:29.92. Serem said he was prepared for the 3000m steeplechase final which will feature the defending champion, Moroccan Sofiane El Bakkali. "I am in top shape (this season). In all the Diamond League races that I took part in this season, I was on the podium and I'm now ready for the final," said Serem. Wale came in second in 8:30.14 and the homeboy placed third in 8:30.43. Kibiwott qualified for the final in a competitive Heat 2. He fought hard in the last lap and finished fifth in 8:27.84. Former World Under-20 bronze medallist Simon Koech could not progress to the final after placing 7th in the last heat, which was won by El Bakkali (the defending champion) of Morocco. World record holder Lamecha Girma rose from a fall and powered to second place. Kenya's attempt to go past the heats in the mixed 4x400m relay was met with a major disappointment. The brigade anchored by 800m defending champion Mary Moraa was disqualified for lane infringement, slamming the brakes on their ambitious plan to sail to the finals on Day 1 of the 2025 World Athletics Championships. The team made up of Moraa, Mercy Oketch, Brian Tinega and Allan Kipyego had finished an impressive second place in Africa Record of 3:10.73 in Heat 2 after finishing second but their star was dimmed by the disqualification.

Three-time world champion Kipyegon lays down early marker

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Three-time world champion Kipyegon lays down early marker

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