Jelimo misses cut for Africa athletics championships

NAIROBI, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Olympic and African 800m champion Pamela Jelimo on Saturday failed in her latest comeback bid when she dropped out of Kenyan trials for next month's African athletics championships.

Jelimo, who trailed the strong field after a fierce first lap, appeared to lose her concentration as the athletes jostled for positions on the home stretch. She subsequently pulled out of the race and will not defend her title at the continental championships in Nairobi.

The race was won by Janeth Jepkosgei, the 2007 world champion in 1:58.95, ahead of the world junior champion Winny Chebet (2:00.88) and teenager Eunice Sum (2:02.55) in third spot.

During the final day of the three-day trials, the performance of the day came from Paris Half Marathon champion Wilson Kiprop, who blasted to an astounding 27:26.93 victory in the men's 10,000m final, lowering the soil record set last year by Sammy Kitwara (27:44.26) in a race that was competed at such searing pace that all top nine finishers beat the old record.

In the highly anticipated men 800m, Rudisha, who holds two of the top three times in the event this season sauntered to a 1:44.23 victory over Osaka 2007 world title holder, Alfred Kirwa (1:45.50) and Jackson Kivuva (1:45.75) who shared the podium.

"I felt so good during the race. I have trained really hard this season and had all the confidence to control the race from the start," Rudisha, who appeared to saunter to the line, told reporters.

Olympic champions Asbel Kiprop and Nancy Jebet Lagat stamped their authority respectively in the men and women 1,500m finals.

Kiprop clocked 3:33.69 to finish ahead of fast finishing Silas Kiplagat (3:34.28) and Nicholas Kemboi (3:37.22) while unbeaten Lagat timed 4:10.11 to lead Ann Karindi (4:12.18) and dethroned national champion Irene Jelagat (4:12.72) to the rostrum.

Reigning Africa champion, Richard Mateelong delivered his trademark salute as he effortlessly clinched the men's 3,000m steeplechase in 8:15.69 ahead of Junior Worlds-bound Jonathan Ndiku (8:19.25). World Championships bronze winner, Milka Chemos won the women's race in 9:34.28.

According to AK general secretary, David Okeyo, the 140-strong Kenyan squad will assemble on July 5 and proceed to camp at a location to be disclosed Sunday before the 17th Africa Athletics Championships (AAC), which are slated for July 28-August 1.

"The athletes are so many and we are still sourcing a location that will accommodate all of them comfortably," Okeyo said.

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