Olympic hopefuls, Benjamin Kiplagat and Simon Ayeko finished tenth and thirteenth in turn in the 3000m steeplechase race at the Samsung Diamond League opener in Doha. Kiplagat ran close to the entire race behind a huge Kenyan group of athletes who dominated the front line in turns. But Kenyan, Paul Kipisieele Koech broke away with two laps to go and crossed the finish line at 7:56.58, making it a new Diamond league record.
Another Kenyan, Richard Mateelong finished second with7:56.81, his personal best in the water jump race. Ethiopia’s Roba Gari came third and seven other Kenyans filled the top nine slots. Kiplagat who holds two national records poised 8:22.94 whereas Ayeko had 8:27.13. 2008 Olympic gold medalist Brimin Kipruto finished twelveth. All the top 14 out of 16 athletes in the event are from Africa. Elsewhere, Pamela Jelimo won the women’s 800m.