David Rudisha of Kenya wins the Mens 800m Final during the Adidas Grand Prix at Icahn Stadium on Randalls Island on June 13, 2015 in New York City . PHOTO/AFP

NAIROBI, July 27- Athletics Kenya (AK) on Monday released the invited list for the Beijing IAAF World Championships Trials with nail-biting contests on the cards on Friday and Saturday in Nairobi.

Olympics 800m men champion and record holder, David Rudisha alongside reigning world champions, Eunice Sum (women 800m), Asbel Kiprop (men 1500m), Milcah Chemos (women 3000m steeple) and Ezekiel Kemboi (men 3000m steeple) headline the star-studded casts.

As is tradition at any Kenyan Trials, reputations will be sustained, others made and the mighty will fall especially in the distance races where all attention will be focused.

However, with the country keen to make an impression in short distance and field events, AK, has invited a cast of continental and national champions led by US based Carvin Nkanata to share the stage with men Javelin sensation, Julius Yego, who broke the African record Birmingham with his 91.39m winning monster throw to the Trials party.

In the men 800m, Rudisha who is bidding to reclaim the title he last won in the 2011 edition in Daegu, South Korea has a deep field to contend with bronze medallist, Timothy Kitum, semi finalist, Anthony Chemut who partnered him at the London 2012 Olympics also invited.

Fast rising World Junior and 2013 World Youth champion, Alfred Kipketer, Bahamas World Relays silver winner, Ferguson Cheruiyot, Job Kinyor, Jeremiah Mutai and Robert Kiptoo who feature highly on the world list are other hot Beijing prospects in the field of 12.

There was no place for World Youth stars, gold medallist Willy Tarbei and silver winner, Kipyegon Bett who ran 1:44 last month in Nairobi before delivering the 1-2 in Cali, Colombia.

-Untouchable Sum-

Eunice Sum wins the Commonwealth gold medal in Scotland. PHOTO/File

The seemingly untouchable Sum will be expected to prevail over opposition led by her mentor and 2007 World Champion, Janeth Jepkosgei with World Junior champion, Margaret Nyareira, the breakout star from last year and Sylvia Chesebe likely to duel for the remaining ticket should AK opt to send three in the corresponding women’s 800m race.

Kiprop, who is bidding for the Worlds hat-trick has a sterner test in the men’s Metric Mile with an imposing collection of 22 hopefuls invited to the Trials where qualification rounds will be used to obtain the finalist to fight for Beijing.

Among those with potential to upset the superstar who has bounced back to fearsome form include perennial local rival and Worlds silver medallist, Silas Kiplagat, Commonwealth winner, James Magut, World Junior record holder, Ronald Kwemoi, Elijah Manangoi who places high on the 2015 World lists among others.

Kenya is yet to produce a woman 1500m world champion but in Commonwealth champion, Faith Chepng’etich, hope abounds and the battle for the other 16 invitees in the event will be to fight for places to punch tickets alongside the two-time World Cross Junior champion.

Commonwealth, African, Continental and Diamond League 5000m titleholder, Caleb Mwangangi who has made flooring double world champion, Britain’s Mo Farah, his pet subject has a daunting fight in his hands to underline his favourite status.

Only returning from injury, Mwangangi returned to the groove by winning in Monaco but the Trials will give him a harsh test with Worlds bronze winner, Isaiah Kiplangat Koech, resurgent London Olympics bronze medallist, Thomas Longosiwa and his predecessor from Beijing, Edwin Soi, fronting the lead contenders.

-Kipsang headlines-

Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor and silver winner, Martin Mathathi speak after their Guiyang World Cross 1-2. PHOTO/File

World Cross champion, Geoffrey Kipsang, Japan based Paul Tanui, the 2011 World Cross silver winner and US NCAA circuit champion, Lawi Lalang are among the 16 invitees in the 12 and a half-lap showdown who are capable of mixing with the best.

In the women’s race, returning 2011 double world champion, Vivian Cheruiyot, who has been working on her speed to pose a challenge has Commonwealth titleholders, Mercy Cherono who warned up with victory in London and Chenpng’etich who is listed for the double as the top opposition.

Kamworor spearheads the men 10,000m list as Kenya desperately seeks an answer to Farah and to bag a title last won by retired Moses Tanui in 1991.

Again, Tanui who leads the Kenyan 2015 list in the event with 26:49.41 and former World Junior star, Emmanuel Bett and Vincent Yator are in a collection of 36 given the green light to vie for Beijing.

His Guiyang World Cross bridesmaid and Japan based, Bedan Karoki, is also on the 10,000m list having stated his intention in China to vie for the world title.

-Kemboi vs Birech-

Ezekiel Kemboi (left) and Jairus Birech over a barrier in Oregon. Picture/IAAF

Since the Berlin 2009 edition, the planet has not known another men 3000m steeplechase champion apart from the all-dancing Kemboi and Beijing presents him with a chance to chase history with a fourth straight crown, surpassing his retired idol and three-time winner, Moses Kiptanui.

However, he will not have it his own way at the Trials with Diamond League winner, Jairus Kipchoge, his bridesmaid from Moscow, Conseslus Kipruto and Commonwealth titleholder, Jonathan Muia Ndiku also in the fray.

Having failed to impress this season after winning silver at the Scotland Club Games last year, Chemos has been overshadowed by breakout Diamond League star and protégée, Virginia Nyambura and former World Junior champion Hyvin Kiyeng and Saturday is a red letter day for the Moscow winner in the women’s 3000m steeple.

The sprints will give Nkanata, who has sizzled in the American collegiate circuit give home fans a chance to sample her prowess with double national champion, Mike Mokamba, who set the National Record in the dash at the recent local track and field championships the main contender in the men 100m and 200m races.

Having slowed down since his Africa record breaking throw, crowd-puller Yego who is bidding to become the first Kenyan athlete to medal in field events at the Worlds has a chance to impress in Nairobi in the men Javelin and he usually, never disappoints.

AK FULL TRIALS INVITE LIST

100M WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 EUNICE KADOGO 11.86

2 FRESHA MWANGI 11.89

3 MONICAH ZAPHANIA 11.95

4 ELIZABETH NEKESA 12.27

5 SAFINA MUKOSWA 12.28

6 DIANA KHAEMBA 12.39

7 MARY TANUI 12.69

8 MILLICENT NDORO 12.0

100MH WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 PRISCILA TABUNDA 14.08

2 CAROLINE WAIGANJO 14.40

3 FLORENCE WASIKE 14.73

4 VERONICAH CHEBET 14.94

5 GEORGINA MBINYA 16.37

200M WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 JOYCE SAKARI 22.4

2 EUNICE KADOGO 23.2

3 MAURINE THOMAS 23.5

4 MILLICENT NDORO 23.8

5 SAFINA MUKOSWA 24.0

6 CATHERINE NANDI 24.4

7 LYDIA KARANI 24.7

8 HELLEN SYOMBUA 24.06

400M WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 JOY SAKARI 51.14

2 MAURENE JELAGAT 52.24

3 JECINTA SHIKANDA 53.06

4 EMILY CHEROTICH 54.14

5 CATHERINE NANDI 54.19

6 VERONICAH MUTUA 54.50

7 MAURINE THOMAS 55.60

400M H WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 FRANCISCA KOKI 55.82

2 JERIOTH GATHOGO 59.31

3 FLORENCE WASIKE 60.04

4 MIRIAM CHEPKURUI 60.54

5 BETTY CHELANGAT 61.31

800M WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 EUNICE SUM 1:56.99

2 JANETH JEPKOSGEI 2:00.02

3 MARGRET NYAIRERA 2:00.49

4 SYLVIA CHESEBE 2:05.2

5 FRIDAH MWIKALI 2:05.5

6 JARINTER MAWIA 2:05.9

7 SHEILA CHESANG 2:06.6

8 VIOLA LAGAT 2:02.61

9 CHERONO KOECH 2:04.07

10 LYDIA WAFULA 2:03.03

11 SARA BUSIENEI 2:04.4

12 MARRIAM CHEPKEOI 2:04.4

13 ECLAY NALIANYA 2:05.2

1500M WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 KIPYEGON, FAITH CHEPNGETIC 3:58.01

2 VIOLA LAGAT 4:04.10

3 ANN KARINDI MWANGI

4:05.23

4 NANCY CHEPKWEMOI 4:03.09

5 STACY CHEPKEMBOI NDIWA 4:06.10

6 PERIL NENGAPI 4:03.98

7 JUDY KIYENG 4:11.46

8 SELLAH JEPLETING 4:13.21

9 IRENE JELAGAT 4:04.07

10 CAROLINE CHEPKEMOI 4:14.95

11 IRENE CHEPKEMOI 4:19.00

12 WINFRED MBITHE 4:15.68

13 BETTY NJERI 4:20.18

14 CYNTHIA KOSGEI 4:20.97

15 IVENE CHEPKEMOI 4:15.0

16 EVA CHERONO 4:15.2

17 SHELLA KETER 4:11.21

3000M SC WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 IVY KIYENG 9:11.28

2 NYAMBURA, VIRGINIA 9:13.85

3 PURITY CHEROTICH KIRUI 9:17.89

4 MILKA CHEMOS CHEYWA 9:21.91

5 CHEPKURUI, LIDYA 9:26.54

6 CAROLINE CHEPKURUI TUIGONG 9:34.15

7 MASAI, MAGDALENE 9:29.16

8 DAISY JEPKEMEI 9:38.16

9 JOAN CHEPKEMOI 9:24.77

10 GLADYS CHEROTICH KIPKEMOI 9:42.88

11 ROSEFLINE CHEPNGTICH 9:39.77

12 FANCY JEROTICH 9:41.02

13 EUNICE JEPKORIR KERTICH 9:39.08

14 ANN GATHONI 9:41.40

15 NANCY KIMAIYO 9:52.2

16 AGNES CHESANG 9:46.1

17 HYVIN JEPKEMOI 9:22.58

5000M WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 MERCY CHERONO 14:34.10

2 VIOLA JELAGAT KIBIWOTT 14:34.22

3 FAITH KIPYEGON 14:31.95

4 SALLY JEPKOSGEI KIPYEGO 14:37.18

5 CHEPTAI, IRINE CHEBET 14:53.32

6 JELAGAT, IRENE

14:55.49

7 MASAI, MAGDALENE 14:58.54

8 NENGAMPI, PERINE 15:08.39

9 STACY NDIWA KIPKEMBOI 15:15:14

10 ROSEMARY MONICA WANJIRU 15:15.47

11 AGNES TIROP CHEBET 15:00.19

12 JANET KISA 14:52.59

13 MARGARET CHELIMO KIPKEMBOI 27.32

14 GLADYS CHESIR KIPTAGELAIL 15:19.93

15 NANCY NZISA 15:51.59

16 JOYLINE KOIMA 15:51.83

17 MARY NJOKI 15:52.61

18 MARY WANGUI 15:58.05

19 MONICA LAGAT 15:36.28

20 ALICE APOROT 15:36.92

21 ROSELINDA JEPKETER 15:49.68

22 RISPA CHEBET 16:00.66

23 VALENTINE MATEIKO 16:02.62

24 JANET MASAI 16:05.61

25 LILIAN KASAIT 16:05.61

26 PASCALINA JEPTANUI 16:06.11

27 WINFRED MOSETI 16:10.51

28 PAULINE EYAPAN

10000M WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 SALLY CHPKOSGEI KIPYEGO 30:46.26

2 BETSY SAINA 30:46.26

3 SELLY CHEPYEGO KAPTICH 31:28.07

4 DORICAH OBARE KERUBO 31:45.24

5 GRACE MBUTHYE KIMANZI 31:57.35

6 VIVIAN CHERUIYOT 31:13.29

7 EMILY CHEBET MUGE 26.18

8 JOYCE CHEPKURUI 32:07.0

9 JACKLINE CHEPNGENO 32:08.2

10 GLADYS CHESIR 32:10.6

11 BEATRICE MUTAI 32:14.0

12 LUCY CHERUIYOT 32:21.4

13 GLADYS CHERONO 32:24.1

14 REBECCA CHESIRE 32:43.1

15 VERONICA NYARWAI 32:57.0

16 GLADYS KOECH 33:49.7

17 ELVIN KIBET 32:40.22

18 SUSAN WAIRIMU 32:46.68

19 LUCY KABUU 32:50.37

20 STACY CHEPKEMOI

21 IRENE CHEBET CHEPTAI

22 EMILY CHEBET

23 JANET KISA

24 MARGARETCHELIMO KIKEMOI

20KM WALK WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 GRACE WANJIRU 1:35.40

2 GRACE THOITI 1:42.35

3 JUDITH CHEROP 1:50.35

4 RUTH WANGUI 1:52.25

5 SUSAN CHEPNGETICH

6 MILKA WANJA

7 MARGARET MAINA

HAMMER WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 REBECCA KERUBO 48.3

2 LUCY OMONDI 49.83

3 LINDA OSESO 58.05

TRIPLE JUMP WOMEN

# ATHLETE TIME

1 GETRUDE CHEPCHIRCHIR 13.16

2 IRVIN JEPKEMOI 12.34

3 JANET CHEPCHUMBA 12.28

4 PETRONILA MWONGE 12.14

HIGH JUMP WOMEN

# ATHLETE DIST

1 CAROLINE CHEROTICH 1.70

2 IRVIN JEPKEMOI 1.57

3 PRISCILA TABUNDA 1.55

4 PRISCILA NASIMIYU 1.55

5 VIVIAN ARUSEI 1.55

100M MEN (FINALS) (QWC10.16/AAG10.44)

ATHLETE TIME

1 MIKE MOKAMBA 10.23

2 MARK OTIENO 10.48

3 BRIAN GATURA 10.50

4 EMMANUEL LENTUKUNYE 10.58

5 TONY CHIRCHIR 10.63

6 SIMON KIMARU 10.64

7 PHILIP NGWONO 10.71

8 GILBERT OTIENO 10.79

200M MEN (FINALS) (QWC2050/AAG21.24)

ATHLETE TIME

1 NKANATA CARVIN 20.14

2 MIKE MOKAMBA 20.50

3 PIUS MUYA 20.86

4 COLLINS OMAE 21.26

5 ELISHA KIBICHII 21.38

6 STENLEY KIETI 21.40

7 BONIFACE KHAGAI 21.44

8 MWAI PETER 21.50

400M MEN (QWC45.50/AAG46.64)

# ATHLETE TIME

1 ALEX SAMPAO 45.22

2 ALPHAS KISHOYAN 44.75

3 RAYMOND BETT 45.39

4 BONIFACE MUCHERU 46.30

5 JOSEPH POGISHO 45.85

6 SOLOMON BUOGA 46.19

7 NEWTON RONO 46.37

8 MOSES KERTICH 46.64

400M H MEN(AAG50.94/WC49.50)

# ATHLETE TIME

1 BONIFACE MUCHERU 48.92

2 NICHOLAS BETT 49.09

3 HARON KOECH 49.71

4 WILLY MBEVI 49.96

5 KIPRONO KOSKEI 50.39

6 GEOFFREY KIPKOECH 50.73

7 VINCENT KOSKEI 52.3

8 WESONGA VALENTINE 52.9

800M MEN (QWC 1:46.00/AAG 1:47.30)?

# ATHLETE TIME

1 DAVID RUDISHA 1:43.58

2 JOB KINYOR 1:43.92

3 FERGUSON CHERUIYOT 1:43.92

4 ALFRED KIPKETER 1:44.33

5 ROBERT KIPTOO 1:44.69

6 TIMOTHY KITUM 1:45.45

7 MUTAI, JEREMIAH KIPKORIR

1:45.50

8 JACKSON KIVUVA 1:45.40

9 NICHOLAS KIPLAGAT 1:45.90

10 SAMMY KIRONGO 1:46.20

11 ROBERT BIWOTT 1:44.69

12 ANTHONY CHEMUT 1:44.72

13 JEREMIAH MUTAI 1:44.85

14 JOSHUA TAMBATI MASIKONDE 1:45.14

15 SAMMY KIRONGO 1:45.30

16 ELIUD RUTTO 1:45.37

17 EVANS KIPKORIR 1:45.50

18 EDWIN KEMBOI 1:45.50

19 NICHOLAS KIPKOECH 1:45.70

20 JONATHAN KITILIT 1:45.08

21 PATRICK KIPROTICH 1:45.40

1500M MEN (QWC3:36.20/AAG3:39.00)

# ATHLETE TIME

1 ASBEL KIPROP 3:26.69

2 ELIJAH MANANGOI 3:29.67

3 COLLINS CHEBOI 3:31.88

4 RONALD KWEMOI 3:30.40

5 MAGUT JAMES 3:31.76

6 SILAS KIPLANGAT 3:30.12

7 HILLARY CHEBOI 3:35.40

8 NIXON CHEPSEBA 3:35.37

9 TIMOTHY CHERUIYOT 3:34.24

10 BETHNEL BIRGEN 3:31.22

11 VINCENT KIBET 3:31.96

12 AUGUSTINE CHOGE 3:35.5

13 VINCENT MUTAI 3:35.63

14 ELIJAH KIPTOO 3:35.81

15 ABEDNEGO CHESEBE 3:36.21

16 LAWI LALANG 3:36.34

17 EDWARD CHESEREK 3:36.50

18 ISMAEL KOMBICH

3:34.64

19 KATUI MUYA 3:38.7

20 HILARY NGETICH 3:35.40

21 HILLARY KIPKORIR MAIYO 3:35.20

22 GILBERT KWEMOI 3:35.68

5000M MEN (QWC13:23.00/AAG13:30.00)(FINALS)

# ATHLETE TIME

1 PAUL TANUI 12:58.69

2 LONGOSIWA, THOMAS 12:59.78

3 EDWIN SOI 12:29.82

4 CALEB MWANGANGI NDIKU 12:59.17

5 LAWI LALANG 13:03.85

6 KOECH, ISIAH KIPLANGAT 13:07.33

7 JOHN KIPKOECH CHEPKWONY 13:07.60

8 CORNELIUS KIPRUTO KANGOGO 13:11.14

9 AUGUSTINE CHOGE KIPRONO 13:06.12

10 JONATHAN MUIA NDIKU 13:12.94

11 EMMANUEL BETT 13:14.91

12 VINCENT KIPSANG RONO 13:16.42

13 MOSES MUKONO 13:19.00

14 BEDAN KAROKI 13:21.28

15 GEOFREY KAMWOROR 13:14.7

16 EMMANUEL KIPSANG 13:14.91

10000M MEN (QWC27.45.00/AAG 28:38.00) (FINALS)

# ATHLETE TIME

1 PAUL KIPNGETICH TANUI 26:49.41

2 GEOFREY KIPSANG KAMWOROR 26:52.65

3 GEOFFREY KIRUI KIPKORIR 27:17.91

4 EMMANUEL BETT KIPKEMEI 27:22.34

5 VINCENT YATOR 27:51.00

6 CHARLES YOSEI 27:54.6

7 JAMES RONGARO 28:02.02

8 STEPHEN ARITA 28:02.7

9 DAVID BETT 28:07.4

10 EMMANUEL NGUTUNY 28:08.4

11 PETER KIRUI 28:16.5

12 PHILEMON CHEBOI 28:17.7

13 NOBERT KIGEN 28:18.2

14 JOSPHAT BETT 27:40.20

15 STEPHEN SAMBU 26:54.61

16 LEONARD BARSOTON 27:20.74

17 JAMES MWANGI 27:23.66

18 WILLIAM SITONIK 27:25.56

19 EDWARD WAWERU 27:26.92

20 JEREMIAH THUKU 27:28.27

21 KENETH KIPROP KIPKEMOI 27:30.94

22 BERNARD KIMANI 27:36.60

23 SHADRACK KIPCHIRCHIR 27:36.79

24 PATRICK MUENDO MWAKA 27:37.67

25 TITUS MBISHEI 27:31.48

26 BEDAN KAROKI 26.52.36

27 PHILIP KIPRONO LANGAT 36.05.00

28 JOSEPH KIMANTHI 27:356.18

29 KENNEDY KITHOKA

30 JOSEPH KIMANTHI 27:38.18

31 PAUL KURIA 27:40.43

32 KENETH KITHUKA 27:41.73

33 JOSPHAT BETT 27:56.14

34 PETER KIRUI 27:58.24

35 SAMUEL CHELANGA 27:59.24

36 CHARLES CHERUIYOT 27:59.91

3000M SC MEN (QWC8:28.00/AAG8:36.00)(FINALS)

# ATHLETE TIME

1 EZEKIEL KEMBOI 8:01.71

2 BIRECH, JAIRUS KIPCHOGE 8:01.83

3 KIPRUTO, CONSESLUS 8:01.20

4 PAUL KOECH8:13.95

5 JONATHAN NDIKU 8:18.38

6 KEMBOI CHEMUTAI 8:16.22

7 YEGO, HILLARY KIPSANG 8:19.87

8 CLEMENT KIMUTAI 8:12.08

9 KIPRUTO, BRIMIN KIPROP 8:18.55

10 BETT, NICHOLAS KIPTANUI 8:23.93

11 JOSHUA KIPLIMO 8:26.30

12 ERASTUS KIRONG 8:27.24

13 WESLEY KIRUI 8:27.00

14 PHILIP YEGO 8:27.99

15 MUTAI, ABEL KIPROP 8:20.38

16 GEOFREY NGENO 8:24.81

17 WILSON MARABA KIPKEMBOI 8:25.99

18 KIPLANGAT KIRUI GILBERT 8:16.86

19 BARNABAS KIPYEGO8:21.93

20KM WALK MEN

# ATHLETE

1 DAVID KIMUTAI

2 SAMUEL KERERI GATHIMBA

3 SYLVANUS WEKESA

4 PETER THEURI

5 ERICK SHIKUKU

6 SIMON WACHIRA

7 JOSEPH GITAU

8 SAMUEL KIBET

9 JOSEPHAT KIMAIYO

10 SIMON MISANGU

11 JOHN LENAMAO

12 JOSEPHAT KIPRONO

TRIPLE JUMP MEN (QWC 16.90/AAG 1600)

# ATHLETE DISTANCE

1 ELIJAH KIMITEI 16.36

2 KIPLAGAT RUTO 15.93

3 ISAAC KIRWA 15.69

4 JOCKTHAN KIYEGON 15.58

5 GEOFFREY LEITICH 15:09

HIGH JUMP MEN (QWC 2.28/AAG 2.12)

# ATHLETE DISTANCE

1 MATHEW SAWE 2.24

2 NICANOR CHERUIYOT 2.10

3 AMOS KIPSAINA 1.95

4 SAMMY KOECH 1.95

5 SAMUEL MACHARIA 1.95

JAVELIN MEN (QWC 82.00/AAG69.00)

# ATHLETE DISTANCE

1 JULIUS YEGO 91.39

2 ALEX KIPROTICH 72.89

3 MICHAEL RONO 68.37

4 SAMMY KESKENY 68.36

5 NELSON YEGON 68.05

6 FRED KOGO 65.25

AFC Leopards keeper, Lucas Indeche in their KPL tie against KCB in Nairobi. He conceded twice in Awendo as Ingwe went down 2-1 to Sony Sugar. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, July 27 – A late spot-kick by Samuel Onyango ended Kenyan Premier League giants, AFC Leopards, surge up the table after Sony Sugar clawed them 2-1 in a keenly contested clash at Awendo Green Stadium on Monday.

Leopards, who travelled without their head coach Zradvko Logarusic, fell behind on the stroke of half-time through Victor Ademba before substitute Joseph Njuguna restored parity on the 80th minute.

The hero of the day was Onyango who converted from 12-yards five minutes to regulation time to lift his side up to 12th on the log with 19 points and a game on hand.

For Leopards, it was the end of their three-game winning streak to stay put in fifth on 34.

In the absence of inspirational Logarusic, his assistant, Yussuf Chippo was in charge as the teams gave little away in the opening half, a Patrick Kagogo corner that was almost turned in by Leopards the only notable goal mouth action.

With both sides destined for a goalless draw at the break, Ademba roused the home side when he beat his former keeper, Lukas Indeche, from a free-kick in added time.

Ingwe were left to chase the game upon the restart buoyed by their previous encounter when they came from a goal down at half time to down Nairobi City Stars 2-1.

And they stuck to the script when Njuguna fashioned a leveller having come from the bench for Duncan Otieno but Sony applied the final twist.

Indeche was penalised for hacking down an opponent in the box and Onyango tucked away the resultant penalty as Sony turned tables on a side that humiliated them 5-1 in the first-leg.

Logarusic declined to travel with the team after downing his tools for the second week running demanding two-months of unpaid dues.

A club official who spoke to Capital Sport said the Croat would remain as head coach as they work towards resolving another crisis in a season where the Den has known little peace as a result of a biting cash crunch despite their almost miraculous performances on the pitch.

Waa High School’s Salim Chilole during the Airtel Rising Stars action on Friday, July 10. PHOTO/Courtesy

MACHAKOS, July 27- The reign of Kakamega High School ‘Green Commandos’ as national secondary school champions came to a premature end when they lost a replayed regional final to bitter rivals St. Anthony Kitale on Monday in Machakos.

Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association’s National Executive ordered the replay after the two sides who originally met in the Nzoia Region final in Busia on July 11 saw their decider abandoned with the Green Commandos leading 1-0.

Eric Ouma had put the Airtel Rising Stars national titleholders ahead in the 75th minute of a tempestuous clash before fan trouble led to the aborting of the match.

St Anthony’s ‘Solidarity Boys’ will now carry the Nzoia flag in the nationals that start in the same venue of Machakos Tuesday with Steve Mweni striking with only five minutes on the clock to deliver the mortal blow to the champions with his rasping shot finding the target.

The winners now slot into Pool A with Kisumu Day, Kathungi and Garissa High while Pool B has Laiser Hill, Waa, Passenga and Simotwo.

Purity Cherotich after winning the Commonwealth title in Scotland last year. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, July 27 – Commonwealth 3000m women steeplechase champion, Purity Cherotich Kirui is geared up for this weekend’s Beijing World Championships Trials in her bid to fulfil a cherished dream of lining up at the biennial global showpiece.

The 2010 World Junior champion faces an imposing task at the selection event to China with reigning titleholder, Milcah Chemos, breakout Diamond League leader, Virginia Nyambura, African titleholder, Hyvin Kiyeng and Moscow, Worlds silver medallist Lydia Chepkurui among those invited in the star-studded showdown in her speciality.

Despite not finding less time to train this season after graduating as a constable from the Kiganjo National Police Service Training College in June, Cherotich believes she will be among those vying to succeed Chemos in Beijing.

“I know it will be very tough. I can’t say I will win because whoever will be strong will carry the day. Going to Nationals, I had only trained for two weeks since I had to complete college first.

“After Commonwealth Games, I went to Bahamas to compete in the World Relay Championships before my only competitive race in Doha,” the 23-year-old who hails from Kericho, stated after running at the Kenya Nationals where Kiyeng forced her to accept silver in 9:33.41.

Her last outing at the Herculis meeting in Monaco returned a career best of 9:17.89 for sixth in a world class gathering that gave her confidence she was finding the legs to compete for the four available slots in the women’s steeple.

In her first outing of the campaign, the Scotland Club Games champion paled to disappointing 12th (9:40.49) at the IAAF Diamond League season opener in a race where Nyambura famously ditched her rabbit role to steal the honours.

Cherotich, made her international debut at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, where she was seventh in 1500 metres semi finals in Pune, India and also ran for Kenya as part of their 4x400m relay quartet before stamping her authority in the water and barrier event in 2010 by winning gold in Moncton, Canada.

She was more consistent last year, finishing fourth at the Shanghai Diamond League then winning the IAAF World Challenge Beijing in a meet record of 9:25.68 before claiming her first national title in June (9:23.43).

That punched her Scotland ticket where she led her nation to a medal sweep of the women’s steeplechase, defeating Moscow Chemos in a nail-biting finish over the homestretch.

Her biggest threats are Nyambura alongside Kiyeng who is currently the second fastest steeplechaser with 9:12.51 behind leader, Tunisian Habiba Ghribi (9:11.28).

Going to the Trials, Kiyeng will be buoyed by the good season she is enjoying after beating Cherotich in the nationals in a photo finish of 9:33.40 against the Club Games title holder’s 9:33.41.

“Running 9:33 in Nairobi is not easy so that is a sign that my body is responding well. I only need to work more on clearing the barriers since I have enough endurance. After competing in four Diamond Leagues I think I’m ready now for the Trials.

“Expect gold in Beijing since our aim will be to bring back home Chemos’ gold,” Kiyeng underscored.

Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor (front) leads Bedan Karoki and Paul Tanui (partly hidden) across the line in the men 10000m final on Saturday. PHOTO/Raymond Mokhaya

NAIROBI, August 1- From the onset, it was the men 10000m squad all gathered at Nairobi Safaricom Stadium on Saturday morning wanted to fly the Kenyan flag at the Beijing IAAF World Championships and at the end of superlatively fast 25-laps, they got it.

The finishing podium order was led by World Cross Champion, Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor with his bridesmaid in Guiyang, Bedan Karoki following him home ahead of 2011 World Cross silver medallist, Paul Tanui who missed China’s World Cross in March.

Their task in China when the Worlds run from August 22 to 30 will be to win the title last held by retired legend, Moses Tanui, who bagged the glory in the 1991 edition, when they were still infants.

Having detached themselves from the rest of the deep field with six laps to go, the seasoned trio motored around the red tartan like a stroll in the park, talking to each other in elastic banter, giving room for each other to do the front running before the bell.

With 600m to go, the World Cross and World Half titleholder, Kipsang, once again deployed his furious finishing power to speed away from Karoki with Tanui, with no challenger in sight for third, dutifully following them to the line.

The casual manner they ran the closing laps at the high elevation of Nairobi belied the times they returned at the end, 27:11.89, 27:15.33 and 27:33.45 in that order, good enough to win the Worlds in the clearest indication yet Kenya means business in China.

“The colour of the medal does not matter. Our aim is to win the 10,000m title and God willing, we can do it. We were talking to each other to encourage each other and see how it can be in Beijing,” the winner said.

“If we go to China and run like today, we can bring home all the medals. Team work is the most important thing to realise our dream. We did it in China and we are happy Paul has joined us,” Karoki emphasised.

“For me, I’m glad to be with guys we can go and run together and it feels good to be back in the Kenyan team. If we repeat what we did today, it’s possible to come home with all medals,” the Moscow 10,000m bronze winner added.

It did not take long for three front runners to drop the rest of the field that at the start, had distance running studs such as two-time New York Marathon champion, Geoffrey Mutai, former World Junior champion, William Sitonik Malel and 2010 African Championships silver winner, Vincent Yator.

Tanui was the first to push the pace as Karoki sat back in the opening laps with Kipsang content to stay round about the leaders. Japan based Paul Kuria Motero then took the front running duties until 11 laps to go when Karoki hit the front an uncorked a 66 second lap that finished the challenge of most pretenders.

The lead group of six was cut to four as they progressed before almost in a blur, the favourite trio made their own race that finished with their tickets to China assured.

Behind them, Yator (27:33.45) out-kicked reigning Africa Cross champion, Leonard Barsoton (27:35.75) in the battle for fourth and fifth with Geoffrey Kirui (27:42.66) further back in sixth.

That trio will likely do duty at the forthcoming Africa Games (formerly All Africa Games) with Athletics Kenya (AK) holding joint selection for Beijing and Congo Brazzaville.

-Mokamba upset-

Mike Mokamba wins the men 200m final. PHOTO/Raymond Mokhaya

In the eagerly awaited men 200m final, they all came to watch US-based Carvin Nkanata, who was starring at home for the first time ever but it was national champion, Mike Mokamba who ran with the glory in a storming 20.48 considering the punishing elevation of Nairobi.

Nkanata, the national record holder, followed him home in 20.82 as the effects of the high altitude took their toll with Peter Mwai (20.90) closing the podium.

“Having a guy like Nkanata inspired us to run to our best and given a chance to go to Beijing, my target is to qualify for the final round. I believe is the federation would facilitate us to train at a low altitude level, we can run times close to the likes of Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin,” Mokamba, a son of 1968 Mexico Olympics 4x400m relay silver medallist, Elikanah Nyangau, said.

“It was good to be back home and competing. The guys here are fantastic and gave good competition, I was a bit surprised. The altitude made breathing a bit harder but I’m happy to come here and finish in a place for Beijing,” Nkanata, the National Collegiate Championships Association star in the US said.

On Friday, the pair were embroiled in controversy when their 100m final was hand-timed with the electronic timing machine controversially switched off.

The hand held clocks returned 10.23 against 10.48 with the sprinters, especially winner Mokamba feeling aggrieved that a chance to beat the A-qualification standard of 10.20 had gone by.

 MEN 10000m RESULTS

1. Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor 27:11:89
2. Bedan Karoki 27:15:33
3. Paul Tanui 27:18:45
4. Vincent Yator 27:33:45
5. Leonard Barsoton 27:35:75
6. Geoffrey Kirui Kipkorir 27:42:66
7. James Rugaru 27:50:09
8. William Sitonik 27:54:35
9. Stephen Arita 27:55:17
10. Charles Yosei 29:02:54

Ferguson Rotich (left) pumps his fists in the air after beating record holder, David Rudisha at the Trials for Beijing World Championships. PHOTO/Ramond Makhaya

NAIROBI, August 1- The Kenyan Trials never cease to amaze and Saturday was no exception when the great world record holder, David Rudisha, lost his first ever race on home soil as a senior runner as the selection event for the IAAF World Championships in Beijing concluded in the most shocking of fashions.

Head of State, President Uhuru Kenyatta and the assembled crowd at Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani came to watch the man known as ‘King David’ lay a marker ahead of the Worlds showdown but after looking commanding for 600m, Rotich caused the monumental upset to run away with the headlines.

Bearing down as Rudisha amazingly engaged cruise control, the Bahamas World Relay distance medley silver medallist caught up with the Olympics champion and world record holder and then went past to complete an astounding 1:43.60 performance in victory with fist pumped in the air.

“Beating Rudisha at home will motivate me to make it to the podium at the World Championships. I’m very happy to make the team,” the jubilant Rotich who changed his name after retired Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson gushed.

Looking shocked, the 2011 world champion who still made the Beijing squad held on for second in 1:43.89 ahead of World Junior champion, Alfred Kipketer who closed the podium in 1:44.07 to earn his place for China.

“My aim was to make the team. I’m struggling in the last 100m and that is what I will work on. The three weeks I have ahead of the World Championships are enough. I’m 90 percent fit,” the mega star who could not hide his shock after his local competitors caught up when he had opened a sizable advantage ahead of the final lap told.

The 2006 World Junior medallist, Jackson Kivuva (1:44.66), who incidentally beat Rudisha at the trials for the 2006 Beijing World Junior Championships before the record holder turned tables in China was fourth, leading the team that will represent Kenya at the African Games in Congo, Brazzaville.

Job Kinyor, the 2011 African Games silver winner who was fifth in 1:45.00 and Jonathan Kitilit (1:46.02) round the Brazaville men 800m squad.

– Sum, Kiprop soar-

World champion, Eunice Sum, wins the women 800m at the Trials for Beijing ahead of Osaka 2007 champion, Janeth Jepkosgei. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

World champions, Asbel Kiprop (men 1500m) and Eunice Sum (women 800m) and Commonwealth champion and men Javelin star, Julius Yego, had no problems fulfilling their favourite roles to perfection, crushing domestic competition to sound warning to pretenders to the throne.

Olympics and world steeplechase champion, Ezekiel Kemboi, was also forced down the finishing order as Diamond League leader, Jairus Birech won his first ever Kenyan World Championships Trials.

Kiprop arguably delivered the most accomplished performance on the track for the day to underline his terrifying form ahead of Beijing having come close to break the world record in Monaco with 3:26.69.

The Daegu and Moscow world champion would have ran faster than his winning 3:34.03 had he not slowed down to salute the Head of State having crushed an imposing field after he attacked from behind before killing them off with a devastating last-lap sprint.

“Winning in Beijiing would be special for me after what happened at the 2008 Olympics. It was my dream that one day I shall return there and hear the national anthem played for me and that is what I will work so hard to achieve,” the Olympics champion from China who was given the top medal at home three years later after doper Rashid Ramzy was stripped of the gold said.

His bridesmaid from Daegu, Silas Kiplagat (3:34.44) could not eat up the sizeable lead in second with surprise fast finisher, Elijah Manangoi (3:34.46) joining the Beijing squad after finishing third.

In the corresponding women’s race, Commonwealth champion, Faith Chepng’etich was give a hard chase by Worlds 5000m silver winner, Mercy Cherono, before she found the legs to seal the win in 4:01.85 against 4:02.21.

Cherono was named in the 5000m squad for Beijing was testing her speed with third placed Nancy Chepkwemoi (4:02.21) and Viola Jeptoo (4:05.98) in fourth joining Chepng’etich in the metric mile race.

The women 800m selection saw Sum, still unbeaten this season, clocking 1:59.46 for the gold as her ‘mother in athletics’ and 2007 world champion, Janeth Jepksogei followed her home in 2:00.42.

“It is going to be very hard at the World Championships. We have people like Ajee Wilson (USA) who are very tough but running with Janeth really helps and our aim is to qualify to the finals first,” Commonwealth, African and Diamond League champion Sum explained.

With Kemboi and his antics expected to thrill the crowd, it was Continental Cup champion, Jairus Birech who continued his scintillating form with an 8:19.55 victory over reigning Worlds silver medallist, Conseslus Kipruto (8:22.95) as former Olympics and world champion, Brimin Kipruto (8:22.95) closed the podium.

Kemboi was just outside in 8:24.42 with the fearsome quartet all making the China team.

“This team can win all the medals if we work together. Personally, I’m happy to defend my title and I will work to ensure I do,” the showman Berlin, Daegu and Moscow titleholder who is bidding for an unprecendeted fourth said.

However, Birech sparked the internal war when he declared, “This is my year and there will be another name in the gold medal. I have worked so hard and winning these Trials will lift me.”

Hyving Kiyeng, the All Africa Games (African Games) champion from 2011 and sixth in Moscow led Kenya’s flag bearers in the corresponding women’s race after outlasting Diamond League breakout star, Virginia Nyambura (9:33.42 against 9:33.69) in a nail-biting duel for the honours.

“I will use the time left ahead of Beijing to work for the form I had earlier in the season,” Nyambura stated with former World Junior champion, Rosefline Chepng’etich (9:35.75) nailing the final podium place and a slot for Beijing.

Signature field star, Yego won with a best effort of 83.10m ahead of Alex Kiprotich (71.50m) and Nelson Yegon (70.34m) in the men’s Javelin.

“After Birmingham, I had a slight injury that affected my technique but I’m now throwing over 80 and the World Championships will depend on who throws the best on the day. I’m going for it to show our people in Kenya we can have other good athletes outside the track and marathons,” the You Tube Man asserted.

Beijing Olympics bronze winner, Edwin Soi prevailed in the men 5000m in 13:30.83 ahead of Kenya Defence Forces rising star and national silver medallist, Emmanuel Kipsang (13:33.84) and Moscow bronze winner, Isaiah Kiplangat Koech (13:41.19).

“The one hour delay made it very difficult for us but I believe after winning bronze in Moscow, I can beat (Mo) Farah in Beijing,” Kiplangat asserted.

By virtue of winning last season’s Diamond League, Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku, the Commonwealth, African and World Indoor champion who did not run was given outside selection.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MEN

100M MEN (RESULTS) (QWC10.16/AAG10.44) HAND TIMING

1          Mike Mokamba                     9.9

2          Mark Otieno                           10.1

3          Tony Chirchir                         10.2

4          Gilbert Otieno                                    10.4

5          Emmanuel Lentukunye        10.6

6          Simon Kimaru                        10.9

7          Brian Gatura                          11.1

8          Philip Ngwono                       11.2

200M (QWC20.50/AAG21.24)

1          Mike Mokamba         20.48

2          Nkanata Carvin         20.82

3          Mwai Peter                 20.90

4          Elisha Kibichii             21.04

5          Stenley Kieti               21.31

6          Collins Omae             21.50

7          Boniface Khagai        21.70

Pius Muya      DSQ

400M MEN (QWC45.50/AAG46.64)

1          Alphas Kishoyian      45.02

2          Boniface Mweresa    45.56

3          Raymond Bett           45.65

4          Alex Sampao             45.91

5          Moses Kertich           46.39

6          Joseph Pogisho        46.39

7          Vinicent Mumo          46.55

8          Newton Rono             46.57

800M (QWC 1:46.00/AAG 1:47.30)

1          Ferguson Cheruiyot             1:43.60

2          David Rudisha                       1:43.89

3          Alfred Kipketer                       1:44.07

4          Jackson Kivuva                    1:44.56

5          Job Kinyor                              1:45.00

6          Jonathan Kiprotich                1:46.02

7          Patrick Kiprotich                    1:46.36

8          Timothy Kitum                       1:47.32

1500M (QWC3:36.20/AAG3:39.00)

1          Asbel Kiprop              3:34.03

2          Silas Kiplangat           3:34.44

3          Elijah Manangoi        3:34.46

4          Robert Kibiwott          3:34.71

5          Timothy Cheruiyot    3:34.86

6          Ronald Kwemoi         3:35.25

7          James Magut                        3:35.51

8          Charles Simotwo       3:35.86

9          Hillary Maiyo              3:36.57

5000M MEN (QWC13:23.00/AAG13:30.00)

1          Edwin Soi                   13:30.83

2          Emmanuel Kipsang  13:33.84

3          Isiah Kiplangat           13:41.19

4          Thomas Longosiwa             13:52.91

5          Victor Chumo             13:53.67

6          Moses Koech                        13:54.56

7          Alfred Ngeno             14:23.67

10000M (QWC 27.45.00/AAG 28:38.00) (RESULTS)

1          Geofrey Kamworor               27:11.89

2          Bedan Karoki                         27:15.33

3          Paul Kipngetich Tanui          27:18.45

4          Vincetnt Yator                        27:33.45

5          Leonard Barsoton                 27:35.75

6          Geoffrey Kipkorir                   27:42.66

7          James Rugaru                      27:50.09

8          William Sitonik                       27:54.35

9          Stephen Arita                         27:55.17

10        Charles Yosei                          29:02.54

3000M SC (QWC8:28.00/AAG8:36.00)(RESULTS)

1          Jairus Birech              8:19.55

2          Conseslus Kipruto    8:21.73

3          Brimin Kipruto            8:22.95

4          Ezekiel Kemboi         8:24.42

5          Abel Mutai                  8:25.56

6          Clement Kimutai        8:27.02

7          Hillary Kemboi           8:28.80

8          Wilson Maraba          8:30.74

9          Paul Kipsiele              8:31.01

10        Joash Kiplimo                        8:34.74

11        Lawrence Kipsang    8:35.23

12        Jonathan Ndiku         8:38.75

13        Abraham Kibiwott      8:44.36

400M H (AAG50.94/WC49.50)

1          Nicholas Bett                       48.29

2          Boniface Mucheru                49.24

3          Haron Koech                         49.50

4          Kiprono Koskei                      49.84

5          Willy Mbevi                             50.00

6          Geoffrey Kipkoech                50.40

7          Vincent Koskei                      53.21

8          Wesonga Valentine              58.29

HIGH JUMP (QWC 2.28/AAG 2.12)

1          Mathew Sawe            2.25

2          Amos Kipsaina          2.05

3          Nicanor Cheruiyot     2.05

4          Sammy Koech           2.00

5          Samuel Macharia      1.90

TRIPLE JUMP (QWC 16.90/AAG 16.00)

1          Elijah Kimitei               16.63

2          Tera Lagat                 16.30

3          Isaac Kirwa                16.07

4          Kiplagat Ruto             16.04

5          Edward Kiplimo         15.86

6          Geoffrey Leitich         15.67

7          Jockthan Kiyegon     15.07

JAVELIN MEN (QWC 82.00/AAG69.00)

1          Julius Yego                83.10

2          Alex Kiprotich             71.50

3          Nelson Yegon           70.34

4          Michael Rono            63.45

20KM WALK MEN RESULTS

1          Samuel Gathimba     1:23:12

2          Simon Wachira          1:23:45

3          David Kimutai           1:24:41

4          Sylvanus Wekesa     1:29:31

5          Erick Shikuku             1:31:11

6          Simon Misangu         1:32:36

7          Joseph Gitau             1:33:42

8          Peter Theuri               1:36.16

9          Samuel Kibet             1:38:20

10        Josephat Kimaiyo     1:42:07

11        John Lenamao          1:49:30

12        Josephat Kiprono     1:51:39

WOMEN

100M WOMEN (QWC 11.33/AAG 11.7/11.94) HAND TIMING

1          Eunice Kadogo         11.2

2          Millicent Ndoro           11.4

3          Fresha Mwangi         11.5

4          Monicah Zaphania   11.8

5          Safina Mukoswa       12.0

6          Mary Tanui                12.3

7          Diana Khaemba        12.4

8          Elizabeth Nekesa      12.5

200M WOMEN (QWC 23.20/AAG 24.0 / 24.24)

1          Eunice Kadogo         23.66

2          Maurine Thomas      23.82

3          Hellen Syombua       24.27

4          Millicent Ndoro           24.55

5          Safina Mukoswa       24.50

6          Rose Cherono           25.25

400M (QWC 52.00/AAG 54.6 / 54.74)

1          Joyce Sakari              51.16

2          Maureen Jelagat       51.77

3          Jecinta Shikanda      52.29

4          Maurine Thomas      52.73

5          Emily Cherotich         54.03

6          Catherine Nandi        54.15

7          Veronicah Mutua      54.26

8          Daisy Komen             55.29

800M WOMEN (QWC 2:01.00/AAG 2.06.00)

1          Eunice Sum               1:59.46

2          Janeth Jepkosgei     2:00.42

3          Annet Mwanzi            2:01.46

4          Sylvia Chesebe         2:02.06

5          Winnie Chebet          2:02.38

6          Sheila Chesang        2:02.82

7          Fridah Mwikali           2:03.36

8          Jarinter Mawia           2:05.11

9          Sheila Chepkurui      2:06.41

1500M (QWC 4:06.50/AAG 4.21 .00)

1          Faith Chepng’etich   4:01.85

2          Mercy Cherono         4:02.21

3          Nancy Chepkwemoi 4:04.67

4          Viola Lagat                 4:05.98

5          Beatrice Chepkoech 4:06.73

6          Caroline Chepkemoi 4:10.46

7          Winfred Mbithe          4:11.23

8          Nelly Chebet              4:13.75

5000M (QWC 15:20.00/AAG 16:18 .00)

1          Viola Kibiwott                         15:42.58

2          Irene Cheptai                         15:42.98

3          Janet Khisa                            15:44.77

4          Margaret Kipkemboi             15:47.11

5          Alice Aprot                              15:51.79

6          Rosemary Wanjiku               15:55.09

7          Irene Jelagat                        16:02.02

8          Nancy Nzisa                          16:03.38

9          Winfred Moseti                      16:04.28

10        Mary Wangui                         16:06.58

11        Janet Masai                           16:15.90

12        Valentine Mateiko                 16:20.78

10000M (QWC 32:00.00/AAG 35:20.00)

1          Vivian Cheruiyot        32:58.4

2          Betsy Saina               32:59.2

3          Joyce Chepkurui       33:00.1

4          Gladys Chesire         33:00.9

5          Agnes Tirop               33:14.9

6          Rebecca Chesire      33:16.2

7          Beatrice Mutai           33:25.2

8          Pauline Korikwang    33:32.8

9          Jackline Chepng’eno           34:01.6

3000M SC (QWC 9:44.00/AAG open)

1          Hyvin Kiyeng                        9:33.42

2          Virginia Nyambura                9:33.69

3          Rosefline Chepng’etich        9:35.75

4          Purity Cherotich                     9:37.62

5          Magdalene Masai                 9:42.77

6          Joan Chepkemoi                  9:44.19

7          Caroline Tuigong                  9:46.92

8          Daisy Jepkemei                    9:50.01

100M HURDLES (QWC 13.00/ AAG OPEN) HAND TIMING

1          Priscila Tabunda       14.0

2          Florence Wasike       14.7

3          Veronicah Chebet     15.0

4          Jackline Cheruto       17.0

20KM WALK

1          Grace Wanjiru           1:39:53

2          Grace Thoiti               1:44:44

3          Judith Cherop            1:53:09

4          Ruth Wangui             2:00:47

5          Milka Wanja               2:07:56

Suspended female marathon star, Rita Jeptoo. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, August 1- Kenyan athletes and top Athletics Kenya (AK) officials have been adversely implicated in a damning doping expose by German TV, ARD that aired Saturday evening.

Renowned German investigative journalist, Hajo Seppelt, who caused a storm three years ago when he did another report associating the country’s runners in systematic substance abuse abetted by officials of the national body prepared the latest bombshell titled “Doping – Top Secret: The Shadowy World of Athletics”.

The English version whose link can be found here show lurid images captured undercover of how unnamed athletes in were being injected with blood booster, EPO, that led to the two-year ban of top female marathoner, Rita Jeptoo, in January.

Jeptoo also appears in the video claiming in all her years as an athlete, she has never been blood tested in Kenya, a loophole the documentary claims is helping many dope cheats escape the dragnet.

The Kenyan segment of the report where Russia is the first nation to be put on the spotlight goes claim the untimely death of father of four Geoffrey Tarno, who collapsed and later passed on when leading the Kimbilio Hospice Marathon in 2013 may have been caused by EPO use.

Tarno, 32, was leading with two kilometres remaining when he collapsed and died before an ambulance carrying him could reach a hospital. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

On AK, top current and past officials are alleged to have withdrawn hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from cash sent by kit sponsor and major financier, Nike.

The exposé is aimed at showing the number of athletes suspected of doping in the world is higher than had ever been thought.

It is based on a leaked list of more than 12,000 blood tests from around 5,000 athletes in the years 2001 to 2012, including numerous Olympic and World champions, was initially statistically analyzed by the ARD Doping editorial team together with the British newspaper the Sunday Times.

“A total of 800 athletes in disciplines from 800 metres to the Marathon register values which, according to the definition of the Biological Passport of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) are regarded as suspicious or even highly suspicious.

“In the analysis of the blood levels of the medal-winners at World Championships and Olympic Games between 2001 and 2012, in the same disciplines that expert judgment is even more alarming: according to the figures, every third medal was won by athletes, for whom one or even both experts had identified suspicious blood values in the database,” a statement from ARD read in part.

When contacted by Capital Sport, AK said they would issue a comprehensive statement on Sunday although interim president, Lt. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei did term the timing of the release suspect with Kenya naming her team to the August 22 to 30 IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

“We are aware there is a documentary that is to be aired at 6:30pm (local time/+3GMT) by a German TV. Most of foreign journalists come and interview our athletes and get facts that are not correct.

“We will watch it and then respond after that. I urge athletes to be very careful who they speak to,” the retired Armed Forces boss told the assembled athletes and dignitaries led by Kenya president, Uhuru Kenyatta, as the Trials for Beijing concluded in Nairobi.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta congratulate Olympic champion and world record holder in the 800 meters Mr. David Rudisha after completion of the qualifiers for The 15th World Championships in Athletics in Beijing held at The Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani. Also present is the African record holder of the Javelin throw Mr. Julius Yego. PHOTO/PCSU

NAIROBI, August 1 – Four World champions led by London Olympics winner, Ezekiel Kemboi lead a star-studded squad of 46 that will chase glory for Kenya at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China between August 22 to 30 .

World Cross title holder Agnes Tirop and Commonwealth Games champion, James Magut headline the list of 65 athletes who were named in the team for the African Games in Congo Brazzaville following the conclusion of the joint Trials for both events in Nairobi on Saturday.

Former Olympics and worlds titleholder Brimin Kipruto, Daegu Worlds double distance winner, Vivian Cheruiyot and Osaka Worlds champion, Janeth Jepkosgei return to the biennial global track and field showpiece.

“I will be going to the final World Championships and then work for next year’s Olympics games then I retire. I would have stopped a long time ago but my body feels like running and I love running,” Kemboi, who is aiming for an unprecedented fourth global title said.

Diamond League title holder, Jairus Birech and Moscow silver medallist, Conseslus Kipruto are the other who complete Kenya’s most decorated steeplechase team in history.

Two-time world champion Asbel Kiprop returns to Beijing where he won his Olympics gold in 2008, albeit three years later, seeking a hat-trick, in the 1500m team that also includea, Diamond League title holder, Silas Kiplagat and breakout star Elijah Manangoi.

Continental winner, Eunice Sum will partner with her mentor Jepkosgei as she looks to defend the women’s 800m crown.

Also going for a third consecutive honours is Edna Kiplagat in the women’s marathon alongside 2014 New-York Marathon runner-up  Jemimah Sumgong, Helah Kiprop and Visiline Jepkesho.

Olympics and world record holder, David Rudisha, will seek to reclaim the crown he won in South Korea in 2011 after being stunned by teammate and Bahamas World Relays silver medallist Ferguson Rotich.

World junior champion, Afred Kipketer, completes the two-lap team that is out to end the reign of Ethiopia’s Mohammed Aman.

In the absence of title holder Milcah Chemos, Hyvin Kiyeng, Diamond League leader, Virginia Nyambura and Youth Olympics champion, Rosefline Chepng’etich will carry the country’s flag in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.

World Cross and World Half Marathon champion, Geoffrey Kamworor and his bridesmaid from Guiyang, Bedan Karoki will be joined by Moscow bronze medallist, Paul Tanui in the men 10000m.

London Olympics silver medallist and US-based, Sally Kipyego who dropped out of the women’s 10000m race, was handed a wild card to team up with, Cheruiyot and Betsy Saina in the corresponding women’s race.

In the men’s 5000m, Commonwealth Games champion, Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku who did not compete at the Trials was given outside selection by virtue of holding the Diamond League crown.

The Continental, African and World Indoor titleholder will be partnered by Trials winner and Beijing Olympics bronze medallist, Edwin Soi, Emmanuel Kipsang and Moscow bronze medallist, Isaiah Koech.

Africa record holder, Julius Yego is the only field events competitor, where he is out to make history by being the first Kenyan to step to the podium in the men’s Javelin after finishing fourth at the last edition.

The team that will report camp on Tuesday will be under the tutelage of head coach, Julius Kirwa while, Joseph Kinyua will be the team leader.

Alex Sanga was appointed the steeplechase coach while Geoffrey Kimani will manage the sprinters.

-Africa Games-

Members of the Kenyan team for the Beijing Worlds and African Games paraded after the Trials. PHOTO/Francis Mbatha

The Africa Games set to run from September 4 to 19, has the largest contingent with Kenya entering in three field events; women’s Hammer, Triple jump and Javelin both for men.

Also notable in the squad is Commonwealth Games champion, James Magut in the 1500m with Timothy Cheruiyot and Ronald Kwemoi.

 TEAM KENYA

World Championships

MEN: 200m: Mike Mokamba, Carvin Nkanata; 400m: Alphas Kishoiyan; 800m: Ferguson Rotich, David Rudisha, Alfred Kipketer; 1500m: Asbel Kiprop, Silas Kiplagat, Elijah Manangoi; 5000m: Caleb Mwangangi Ndiku, Edwin Soi, Emmanuel Kipsang, Isaiah Koech; 10000m: Geoffrey Kamworor, Bedan Karoki and Paul Tanui; 400m Hurdles: Nicholas Bett, Boniface Mucheru, Harun Koech; 3000m steeplechase: Ezekiel Kemboi, Jairus Birech, Conseslus Kipruto; Javelin: Julius Yego; Marathon: Wilson Kipsang, Dennis Kimetto, Mark Korir.

WOMEN: 400m: Joyce Zakari, Maureen Jelagat; 800m women: Eunice Sum, Janeth Jepkosgei; 1500m: Faith Chepng’etich, Nancy Chepkwemoi, Violah Cheptoo Lagat; 5000m: Viola  Kibiwott, Irene Cheptai, Mercy Cherono; 10000m: Vivian Cheruiyot, Betsy Saina, Sally Kipyego; 3000m steeplechase: Hyvin Kiyeng, Virginia Nyambura, Rosefline Chepng’etich; Marathon:  Edna Kiplagat, Jemimah Jelagat Sumgong, Helah Kiprop, Visiline Jepkesho,

Head Coach: Julius Kirwa; Steeplechase coach; Alex Sang, Sprints coach; Geoffrey Kimani

Team leader; Joseph Kinyua; Physio: Jessica Chiraku, Peter Nduhiu, Samuel Samoei

Africa Games

MEN: 100M: Mike Mokamba; 200m: Mokamba, Carvin Nkanata; 400m: Boniface Mweresa, Raymond Kibet, Alex Sampao; 800m: Jackson Kivuva, Job Kinyor, Jonathan Kitilit; 1500m: Timothy Cheruiyot, Ronald Kwemoi, James Magut; 5000m: Isaiah Koech, Thomas Longosiwa, Joseph Kiplimo; 10000m: Vincent Yator, Leonard Barsoton, Geoffrey Kirui; 400m Hurdles: Kiprono Kosgei, Willy Mbevi, Geoffrey Kipkoech;3000m steeplechase: Abel Mutai, Clement Kemboi, Hilary Kemboi; Relay 4X100m; Mokamba, Mark Otieno, Tony Chirchir, Gilbert Otieno; Decathlon: Elijah Chesoen, Vincent Tarus, Girlbert Koech; High Jump: Mathew Sawe; Javelin: Alex Kiprotich, Nelson Yego; 20km Walk: Samuel Kereri, Simon Wachira, David Kimutai.

WOMEN: 100m: Eunice Kadogo; 400m: Jesica Shikanda, Maureen Thomas; 800m: Aneth Mwanzi, Sylvia Chesebe, Winnie Chebet; 1500m: Beatrice Chepkoech, Caroline Chepkemoi, Winfred Mbithe; 5000m: Janet Khisa, Margaret Jelimo, Alice Aprot; 10000m: Joyce Chepkurui, Gladys Chesri, Agnes Tirop; 4x100m: Kadogo, Millicent Ndoro, Fresher Mwangi, Maureen Thomas; 100m Hurdles: Priscilla Tabuda, Florence Wasike, Caroline Waiganjo; 400m Hurdles: Fransica Koki; 3000m Steeplechase women: Purity Cherotich, Magdalene Masai, Joan Jepkemoi; Heptathlon: Priscilla Tabuda, Jackline Jeruto;  Hammer: Rebbeca Kerubo; 20km Walk: Grace Wanjiru, Grace Thoiti, Judith Cherop.

Head coach, John Mwithiga

Team Manager Dimmy Kisalu

President Uhuru Kenyatta shares a light moment with elite athlete Ezekiel Kemboi as First Lady Margaret Kenyatta congratulates the African record holder of the Javelin throw Mr. Julius Yego after completion of the qualifiers for The 15th World Championships in Athletics at The Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani. PHOTO/PSPU

NAIROBI, August 1– President Uhuru Kenyatta joined the athletics fraternity in cheering Kenya’s teams to the Beijing IAAF World Championships as well as the 2015 Africa Games.

The President, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, spent the afternoon at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani where the national trials for the two championships were held.

It was a lively afternoon as Kenya’s world renown athletes battled out for the top spots to qualify for the championships.

It was a moment to behold as the great athletes like Ezekiel Kemboi and David Rudisha competed with newcomers, some reaching the finish line before the champions and reassuring Kenyans that the country has more talent in the pipeline.

President Kenyatta told the athletes to continue making Kenyans proud and they should count on the support of every Kenyan.

“We are certain you will make us proud. We wish you success and count on our total support” he told the athletes.

During the event, Isaiah Kiplagat announced officially that he has relinquished the chairmanship of the Athletics Kenya.

Kiplagat said he was impressed by how the trials were organized by the new team led by acting President of Athletics Kenya, General (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei.

“They say new broom sweeps clean. I am impressed by how this event has been organized,” said Kiplagat.

Kiplagat said this was a sign that Kenya is prepared to host the 2017 World Youth Championships. First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is the patron of the organizers of event.

-By PSPU

The new doping allegations say that leaked results from 12,000 blood tests on 5,000 competitors by the IAAF shows the wide extent of cheating in athletics. PHOTO/AFP

KUALA LUMPUR, August 2- World Anti-Doping Agency chief Craig Reedie said Sunday that new accusations of mass doping in athletics would “shake the foundation” of clean sport and that an existing investigation into drug cheats in Russia would be extended.

Reedie told reporters at an International Olympic Committee meeting that the numbers involved and the greater use of blood doping had shocked him.

WADA said in a statement that it was “very alarmed” by the new accusations broadcast by German television channel ARD and reported by Britain’s Sunday Times.

Russian and Kenyan athletes featured strongly in the programme aired just three weeks before the start of the world championships in Beijing.

“WADA is very disturbed by these new allegations that have been raised by ARD which will, once again, shake the foundation of clean athletes worldwide,” Reedie said in the statement.

Reedie told reporters that he would pass the allegations to an independent commission looking into allegations aired by ARD in December of widespread doping in Russian athletics.

The new allegations said that leaked results from 12,000 blood tests on 5,000 competitors by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) showed the wide extent of cheating in the sport.

The results come from an IAAF database leaked to the two media.

Australian doping experts Michael Ashenden and Robin Parisotto concluded from the results that 800 athletes in disciplines from 800m to the marathon registered values considered suspicious or highly suspicious.

They also said the analysis of the blood levels of the medal-winners at world championships and Olympics between 2001 and 2012 indicated that a third of athletics medals were won by competitors who had given suspicious tests.

“In one event the entire podium was comprised of athletes, who in my opinion had most probably doped at some point in their career,” Ashenden told the ARD programme.

Reedie said the allegations “will immediately be handed over to WADA’s Independent Commission for further investigation.

“These allegations require swift and close scrutiny to determine whether there have in fact been breaches under the World Anti-Doping Code and, if so, what actions are required to be taken by WADA and/or other bodies.”

The independent commission is led by Richard Pound, an IOC member and the first president of WADA.

Pound’s commission is looking into claims of doping by Russian athletes, encouraged by coaches and doctors, which were aired by ARD in December.

Reedie told reporters in Kuala Lumpur he had hoped to get Pound’s report as early as September but that would have to be put back because of the new accusations.

“It will take a little bit longer but I would rather they look into it and get the answers,” he said.

Reedie said he had been particularly concerned by “the spread of the allegations” and “the blood issues”.

The programme put the spotlight on Russian and Kenyan athletes alleged to have used banned techniques. But British media said one top British athlete had also been found on the database with suspicious test results.

The new doping allegations say that leaked results from 12,000 blood tests on 5,000 competitors by the IAAF shows the wide extent of cheating in athletics. PHOTO/AFP

NAIROBI, August 2- “The timing of the libellous report contained in almost half of the 55 minute documentary which alleges widespread systematic doping in Kenya is extremely suspect and ill motivated, coming on the day we selected our team for the IAAF World Championships.”

That is Athletics Kenya (AK)’s take on the serious doping allegations levelled the country’s runners by German TV, ARD bombshell “Doping – Top Secret: The Shadowy World of Athletics” documentary aired Saturday evening.

“The documentary not only makes serious and sweeping allegations on doping but also makes serious allegations on the integrity of our current and former leaders, including our sponsor without giving them an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

“The documentary is made largely based on private and confidential data as well as forged documents ostensibly from AK which are now a subject of investigations by the relevant authorities,” it hit back.

The national governing body threatened legal action against ARD and Seppelt after part of it also accused AK’s serving and former top brass of withdrawing hundreds of thousands of dollars to enrich themselves from money sent by American apparel giant, Nike for their kitting deal.

British publication Sunday Times published the report after partnering with investigative reporter, Hajo Seppelt who prepared the expose based on data on blood reports of thousands of athletes leaked from world body, IAAF.

“On claims of financial impropriety on our top leadership, past and present, we have instructed our legal team to study the documentary with a view of bringing legal action against the TV Station and the author.”

AK however, noted with concern undercover footage showing runners in Eldoret receiving injections alleged to be blood booster EPO in various clinics where Seppelt visited passing himself off as a manager who wanted his athletes to win big races.

“The Federation always welcomes any information which would help fight the vice of doping. But we cannot fail to point out that the documentary is an attempt to smear our runners with unwarranted suspicion as they prepare to undertake duty for their country in Beijing, China.

“The unwarranted claims on the Kenyan athletes are deliberately aimed at derailing the preparations and the participation of the Kenyan team in the World Championships.

“We stand firm in declaring that our team will continue its preparations despite these attacks which are perpetuated by the same reporter Hajo Seppelt who had made similar allegations three years ago,” it asserted.

“Our teams Youth, Junior and Senior teams have continued to perform well in the World stage despite the allegations that Hajo Seppelt has levelled against us.

“In fact it is important to indicate that the author of the documentary has not contacted Athletics Kenya for any clarifications as claimed on the documentary,” the federation claimed.

It pointed out it in the past two years, “We have devoted a lot of time and resources to combat the vice with the assistance of IAAF, the World Anti-Doping Agency, Kenyan Government and international partners such as China and Norway.

“In our continued fight against doping we have sanctioned a number of athletes found to be in violation and the information is in the public arena. This is besides ordering all our sanctioned events, not only at national but also regional (grassroots) level to have doping control as mandatory requirement.”

In the past week they underscored, the Government through Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr. Hassan Wario announced that the IAAF assisted testing lab will soon be set up in Nairobi to step up the fight against the vice.

“Athletics Kenya is also in the process of concluding investigations in conjunction with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ministry of Health through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board into suppliers, users and any other persons involved in the sale, distribution and administering of prohibited substances.”

-IAAF’s take-

The International Association of Athletics Federations says it will not rule out “any follow-up action necessary” over a Sunday Times report alleging widespread doping in the sport.

Gor Mahia midfielder, Khalid Aucho, in action against Azam during the Cecafa Kagame Cup final in Dar on Sunday. PHOTO/Citizen TV

NAIROBI, August 2 –Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia’s wait to lift a Cecafa Kagame Cup title will stretch to 31years after locals Azam FC ended their dream with a heartbreaking 2-0 victory in a pulsating final on Sunday.

A goal from each half through Taifa Stars forward John Bocco and Ivorian Kipre Tche Tche ended K’Ogalo’s aim of lifting a sixth regional title that could have seen them equal Tanzanian giants Simba SC at the top of the charts at Dar-es-Salaam National Stadium.

However, Gor walked out with their heads high after reaching the finals for the first time in three decades to receive Sh. 2.4m (USD20, 000) in prize money, with ODM bigwigs, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and Mombasa Governor, Ali Hassan Joho joining hundreds of Green Army fans who made the trip.

Azam, the new home for Harambee Stars striker, Allan Wanga won the title for the first time to became a third Tanzanian side to lift the trophy and pocket Sh3.7m (USD30, 000).

Uganda’s Kampala Capital City Authority finished third after edging out Sudan’s Al-Khartoum 2-1 to take home Sh1.2m (USD10,000).

Rising star, Michael Olunga grabbed the Golden Boot after plunging five goals in the tournament, one ahead of Tche Tche.

“We gave possession away for the first goal and the second was also from our mistake but we made a good final. I’m proud of my boys for their efforts so we had a good tournament.

“Azam were clinical and all credit to them they were brilliant today and i thank our fans for travelling along they played their part. Every game has been very competitive because teams gave their best. The second finish will make us stronger,” Gor head coach, Frank Nuttall rued after the loss.

His opposite number, Stewart Hall said they entered the final without any pressure after playing many tournaments including the CAF Confederations Cup.

“We were under no pressure because it was part of our fitness. It was our boss birthday and this is a perfect gift we had to give him. We knew it could be a tough test but when we scored the first goal, I was confident we will go ahead and win it.

“We defended well and I’m really happy for my boys.”

Azam, who entered as slight favourites ended the tournament without conceding a goal and settled faster than their opponents.

The centre back paring of skipper Musa Mohammed and Harun Shakava were exposed by Azam skipper, Bocco and Tche Tche as Gor fell behind inside quarter of an hour.

It all started when Eric Ochieng who relegated injured Collins Okoth to the bench, lost possession giving Tche the freedom of K’Ogalo territory on the right where he swung in a cross behind Musa and Shakava for Bocco to tap past keeper, Boniface Oluoch for his third goal of the tournament.

Tempers flew up in the keenly contested decider as midfielder, Khalid Aucho escaped a sending off in the 20th when he elbowed Tche Tche but Rwandan referee, Louiz Hakizimana opted to give a foul.

Gor found their first shot on target in the 27th through Abuoba Sibomana but it didn’t trouble Azam keeper, Manula Salum who calmly saved the danger before unmarked Innocent Wafula blazed wide from close range.

The Kenyan champions surged forward in search for the equaliser that should have come on the stroke of half-time were it not for Salum who parried a powerful shot from Wafula on the left.

K’Ogalo’s leaking midfield saw Azam who pulled out Faridi Mussa for Erasto Nyoni double the lead after the restart through a well curled free-kick from Tche Tche that was conceded by Aucho who hacked down the Ivorian.

Nuttall pulled out Ochieng and wasteful Wafula for Ali Abondo and Enoch Agwanda but still nothing came their way even as Olunga saw his first chance in front of goal go wide from a Meddie Kagere set-up.

Harambee Starlets in a previous trainings session. PHOTO/File

MACHAKOS, August 1 – Harambee Starlets quest to play at the 2016 Rio Olympics was cut short after losing 1-0 to South Africa in the return-leg of third round qualifier played at Machakos Stadium on Sunday.

The loss saw Kenya bundled out 2-0 on aggregate after going down by the same margin in the first-leg away in Johannesburg where Lerato Ramalepe snatched the winner.

Rhodah Mlauzi was Banyana Banyana’s hero in the return, after scoring the only goal on the half-hour mark when she dribbled from the left to uncork a shot past Pauline Atieno to book a date with the winner between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Starlets head coach, David Ouma hailed his charges for the performance and called on Football Kenya Federation to maintain the team.

“Congratulations to the girls for reaching this level. We had a slow start in the game and the opponents utilized that to punish us. The girls need a pat at the back and people should trust in women football.

“They should come in to support them especially in the league,” Ouma, who also doubles up as Sofapaka assistant coach said.

Banyana head coach, Vera Pauw made two changes with Iceland-based Roxanne Barker and Busisiwe Ndimeni of Mamelodi Sundowns returning to the team after injury ruled them out of the first-leg.

Starlets, who entered the match motivated after receiving boots from Machakos Governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua, started the game slowly, giving the visitors confidence to utilize their chances and score the important away goal.

Ouma’s double substitution of Carol Achieng and Veronica Wafula for Cheris Avila and Tabaka Chacha in the second half changed the tempo but still none could find the back of the net.

Banyana keeper denied Wendy Achieng after parrying her set-piece before clearing a Wafula left foot shot from close range.

Outgoing IAAF president, Lamine Diack, (middle) adressing a Beijing World Championships organisers briefing. PHOTO/File

KUALA LUMPUR, August 3- World athletics chief Lamine Diack said Monday that a campaign to redistribute medals was behind new press reports alleging widespread doping abuse in the sport.

Diack told the International Olympic Committee that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) would answer the allegations made by German television channel ARD and British newspaper the Sunday Times.

“Behind all this there is a desire to redistribute medals, take care of this,” Diack, who will stand down as IAAF president this month, told IOC members.

ARD and the Sunday Times obtained a database of 12,000 tests taken on 5,000 athletes. Experts who studied the material said one third of athletics medals in endurance events at world championships and Olympics between 2001 and 2012 had given suspicious tests.

“We have seen the reporting by German television and in the British press and we take note,” said the 82-year-old Diack, who is no longer part of the IOC but was given special permission as an honorary member to speak because of the gravity of the new doping crisis.

“Our office is working and is going to answer all these questions,” he added. The IAAF has promised a statement on the allegations.

“Emminent experts have concluded that from 2001 to 2012 hundreds of medals were wrongly given. We will not comment.”

Diack said he would “calmly” let the IAAF bureau study the allegations.

“I believe that the IAAF has always shown that it is absolutely aware that it cannot allow doubts about the performances accomplished by athletes.

“Behind all this is a desire to redistribute medals, take care of this.”

Adam Pengilly, a British member of the IOC, called on the IAAF to “promote” clean athletics.

“They seem to have been quiet in the past year,” about major accusations over doping in Russia and world athletics, Pengilly told the IOC meeting.

IOC president Thomas Bach said that while allegations are being handled by the IAAF “I don’t think this is something to do with the IOC or the IOC president,” despite Olympic events being involved.

Betsy Saina (left) raises her arms in triumph after following Vivian Cheruiyot home to make the Kenya team for Beijing World Championship. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, August 4- Despite establishing a big name in United States as a champion distance runner since her college days, Betsy Saina 27, finally cracked the Kenyan team to the IAAF World Championships at the third time of asking when she nailed a place in the Beijing-bound squad.

Her second place finish in 32:59.2 behind three-time world champion, Vivian Cheruiyot during the women 10000m Trial confirmed her ticket to China.

Kenya may have given America its president in Barack Obama but in return, Saina is keen to grab the opportunity to become the latest medallist minted in the US at the biennial annual track and field showpiece having chose to run for the red, green and black over the star and stripes.

Running a smart race from the off, Saina motored through 23 laps as seasoned names around her fell off the pace, including fellow US-based star and Olympics silver medallist, Sally Kipyego whose race ended prematurely three-laps to the finish with a bad case of cramps.

Only the superior finishing ability of Cheruiyot who won the 10000m title in Daegu, South Korea, proved to be her match on the day but there is no shame to losing to the ‘Pocket Rocket’ who is hailed as one of the finest female distance track runner on the planet.

“I just ran my own race and I fell so good and decided to go a little hard a little bit, trying to make everyone feel the hurt. It’s exciting for me to make this team, I have dreamed about it for the last four years when I was in college.

“I knew everyone was here. It’s really exciting to have Vivian; Sally Kipyego there, my coach was just do my own thing and try not to do anyone’s race. I just felt great, I don’t know why but I have been training really well in Iten.

“It seems like coming back home and making the team is really exciting. I’m so happy about this,” the overjoyed Saina said after putting together a performance that ushered her through the door to the World Championships.

Cheruiyot who is finding her feet back after taking a maternal break following her silver (5000m) and bronze (10000m) at the London Olympics and Kipyego who were given a wildcard will partner her in Beijing.

– Running scholar-

Just like Kipyego, Saina is the new breed of Kenyan female runners who have an education to match the talent having studied and graduated after five years at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, with an agriculture and life sciences degree with a focus on nursing.

Unlike most of her peers who blossom from biting poverty to riches through the sport, Saina grew up in Kenya’s version of the middle class – “not poor, or rich,” she asserted – with a father who worked as an elementary-school teacher and mother who operated a small business.

She began running as a teenager in Eldoret, with hopes to pursue education at Otago Girls High School.

Her family had success in distance running, so her sisters mentored her as a youth to prepare her for a national stage of running before she caught the eye of recruiters who flew her to the US in an athletics sponsorship deal where she was to sturdy and run for Iowa State.

The fast spoken eloquent runner with a flowing American accent has medalled for Kenya before, taking bronze at the 2012 African Championships in Porto Novo, Mauritius (32:48.36) and her aim of making the Moscow Worlds team in 2013 was dashed when she ran to sixth (34:10.19) at the Trials.

It was her second successive sixth finish at the national selection event having clocked 32:46.81 to miss out on the London Olympics but earning a place in the African squad in the joint Trials.

Notwithstanding the failure to break into the fiercely competitive Kenyan team, Saina was all the rave in the US, winning the 2010, 2011, 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Cross Country Championship.

On the track, she took top honours in 5,000 meters at the 2012 NCAA Indoor Championship and 10,000 meters at the 2013 Outdoor NCAA Championship under the guidance of coach Corey Ihmels.

Saina was the 2011–2012 Iowa State Cyclones Female Student-Athlete of the year and received this honour in front of 61,000 fans at the football home opener on September 1, 2012.

She is also a nine-time Big 12 Champion and an 11-time All-American runner and was named Athlete of the Year by the Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association on her first senior season in 2013.

On August 31, when she was still healing from missing out on Moscow, Saina was honoured as the 2013 Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year.

-Home recognition-

While her impressive honours list have made her a household name in the US, Saina will get the home recognition she craves should she complete at least a podium performance or at best, return as the new world champion.

However, she is keen to keep her ambitions bottled to give her legs the chance to do all the talking in Beijing.

“I can’t say anything about that (chances of victory). The first aim was to make the team. I’m going back to train for the remaining two weeks but I’m peaking at the right time.

“I knew I had a shot because my workouts have been going really great but it’s just like a blessing for things to happen in Kenya and I’m so happy.

“After college, I felt like I need to train like way Vivian is because she is my hero, I tell everyone she I used to admire her when she was growing up. I came back in 2012 and did not make the team; in 2013 I didn’t make the team, this was my third time,” she gushed.

Saina has a template to the podium to follow from teammate Kipyego.

After failing to make the Beijing 2008 Olympics and Berlin 2009 Worlds, she got third time lucky to run in Daegu 2011 where she followed Cheruiyot across the line for silver.

It was to get better at the London Olympics when she stunned Cheruiyot to take the second medal in 10000m behind Ethiopian titan, Tirunesh Dibaba whose blistering finishing found no answer from the Kenyan girls.

Nick Barasa takes a water break in training with Kenya 15s Simbas. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya

NAIROBI, August 4- Kenya 15s head coach, Jerome Paarwater, has made a single change to the side that beat Spain 36-27; replacing the injured Samuel Motari with Nick Barasa ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup clash away to Namibia.

Baraza returns from knee injury and will be looking to make an impact from the bench in Windhoek where a handsome win for Kenya to better what Zimbabwe will post against Tunisia will see them crowned champions.

Team manager, Wangila Simiyu, is confident the team is in good condition to reclaim the title they lost last year and expects a good performance from the boys.

“The toughest game we have ever played was against Spain and if the boys can bring out the technicality they used during that game we should overcome Namibia.

“Spiritually, the team is well prepared. Mentally, which is 65 percent of where the game is won or lost, that is psychological input, 40 to 45 percent is technical, (and) all those areas we’ve polished.

“We expect when we land at Jomo Kenyatta on Sunday, to come back with the Africa Cup, nothing short of that,” Simiyu declared during the naming of the travelling party of 22 on Tuesday.

He noted the team has improved with progress seeing the team shoot up to 28th, placing them in a position to move above the Spaniards who dropped a position to 20th following the defeat to Simbas last month.

“The players have supported them as a coaching team. The discipline level has been high and as a result led to the birth of dedication and commitment from the players,” he underlined.

Simbas opened their continental campaign with a dispiriting 20-28 loss to hosts Zimbabwe in June before hammering Tunisia 46-15 in their second fixture a month later.

The team leaves Thursday for Windhoek with the team manager claiming World Cup bound Namibia who have called up their foreign based legion for the clash will be under more pressure to perform.

“We played them last year in the World Cup qualifier and beat them, so our confidence is high and a win against them will improve our ranking,” he added.

SQUAD: 1. Moses Amusala – KCB; 2. Samuel Warui – Top Fry Nakuru; 3. Isaiah Nyariki – Top Fry Nakuru; 4. Curtis Lilako – KCB; 5. Peter Karia – KCB; 6. Ronnie Mwenesi – Total Nondies; 7. Oliver Mang’eni –KCB;8. Wilson Kopondo – Kenya Harlequin; 9. Michael Okombe – Top Fry Nakuru; 10. Brian Nyikuli – Resolution Impala Saracens (Captain); 11. Joshua Chisanga – Menengai Cream Homeboyz; 12. Lawrence Buyachi – Top Fry Nakuru; 13. Edwin Achayo – Kabras Sugar; 14. Robert Aringo – Resolution Impala Saracens; 15. Samuel Oliech – Resolution Impala Saracens; 16. Isaac Adimo – Kenya Harlequin; 17. Kelvin Omiyo – Top Fry Nakuru; 18. Nicodemus Barasa – Kabras Sugar; 19. Darwin Mukidza – KCB; 20. Jacob Ojee – KCB; 21. Vincent Mose – Resolution Impala Saracens; 22. Dennis Muhanji – Kenya Harlequin

Management: Jerome Paarwater – Head Coach; Charles Ngovi – Assistant Coach; Chris Makachia – Physio; Wangila Simiyu – Team Manager

Kenya national 7s team in action against Australia at the HSBC World Series. PHOTO/File

NAIROBI, August 4- Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) met members of the national sevens team for a disciplinary hearing Tuesday ahead of expected radical changes to the side’s set-up.

The team has been in disarray for the past month after the Union, technical bench and players clashed over unpaid salary arrears and bonuses with the squad that is seeded top of the November Africa Olympics Qualifiers downing their tools in protest.

On their side, the governing body elected to allow the contracts of head coach, Felix Ochieng and senior players run out on July 31 to renegotiate terms afresh, with mass casualties anticipated ahead of the new season.

“We want to make an informed decision, one that takes the interest of the game in the long term into account. So we will let the processes at the union run and once we have reached a decision we will communicate the same,” Ian Mugambi, a director at KRU told Capital Sport.

Speaking separately, Team Manager, Steve Sewe, whose job is also on the line, informed this website they were summoned to the Union headquarters to face a disciplinary hearing after the national 15s team was announced earlier in the morning.

“I’m no longer allowed to comment on matters relating to the national team or the players,” he added.

The National Olympics Committee-Kenya (Noc-k) who are banking on the sevens outfit to represent the nation at next summer’s Rio Games expressed grave concerns over the stand-off.

“I urge the Union to put their house in order. The Qualification process is important and they should put enough effort to it and ensure the team goes through.

“As time approaches, we are banking on rugby sevens to qualify. It is the first time rugby will be at the Summer Olympics programme and representation by our team will give other team sports. They need to get adequate exposure,” Kenya’s Chef-de-Mission to Rio Olympics, Stephen Soi stated.

He emphasised part of the huge Sh542m budget they announced for the entire Team Kenya last week during the launch of the Road to Rio fundraising drive was meant to adequately cater for the team in preparation but they had to qualify first.

“We had factored rugby sevens, women’s volleyball and women’s football team in our plan for Rio. The football girls are out leaving rugby and volleyball and we wish them all the best,” the Noc-k Executive Officer added.

The players went on strike for the second time since last December on July 10 protesting over unpaid dues and failure to be provided basic training facilities.

During the press call announcing the training boycott, Sewe was flanked by assistant coach, Vuyo Zangqa, strength and conditioning coach, Graham Bentz, skipper Andrew Amonde, Kenya’s all time try top scorer Collins Injera, his elder brother Humphrey Kayange and seasoned Patrice Agunda.

“In 2011 the KRU undertook a commitment to transform the national 7s training program into a high performance system. Key to this was the establishment of a player centred coach led system which placed welfare as the top priority,” the long-serving Team Manager said at the time.

The Union accuses team members of maintaining hard-line positions in face of proposed radical chances to the squad with Zangqa and Bentz the only personnel in the squad assured of an August pay cheque since their contract runs out September next year.

World athletics’ governing body the IAAF said it “strongly rejected” allegations of thousands of suspicious blood tests from athletes, and insisted it was taking every possible measure to combat doping. PHOTO/AFP

PARIS, August 4- The IAAF dismissed on Tuesday as “sensationalist and confusing” allegations of mass doping that have rocked the world of athletics in the build-up to this month’s world championships in Beijing.

In its first official reaction to the affair, world athletics’ governing body said it “strongly rejected” allegations of hundreds of suspicious blood tests from athletes.

It insisted it was taking every possible measure to combat doping.

“The published allegations were sensationalist and confusing,” the International Association of Athletics Federations claimed in their much-anticipated statement.

The IAAF’s 4,000-word detailed and robust response follows three days of stormy headlines since the weekend allegations by German television channel ARD and British newspaper The Sunday Times.

They obtained a database of 12,000 tests taken on 5,000 athletes which revealed “extraordinary” levels of doping.

Australian doping experts Michael Ashenden and Robin Parisot examined the results for ARD and the paper.

They said one third of athletics medals in endurance events at world championships and Olympics between 2001 and 2012 had given suspicious tests.

And they said that 800 athletes in disciplines from 800m to the marathon registered values considered suspicious or highly suspicious.

The IAAF however hit back, saying there was no perfect system for catching drug cheats and insisted it “has been at the forefront of drug testing for many years”.

It said “the results referred to were not positive tests. In fact, ARD and The Sunday Times both admit that their evaluation of the data did not prove doping”.

It boasted that “under its pioneering Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system, more athletes have been banned for cheating by the IAAF than all other sports federations and national anti-doping agencies put together”.

The organisation pointed out that “a large proportion of these blood samples were collected in a period before the implementation of the ABP and cannot therefore be used as proof of doping”.

It also took a pot shot at World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), who had said it was “very alarmed” by the new allegations.

“The IAAF is surprised by WADA’s comments, particularly given how closely it has worked with WADA over the entire period to try to advance the fight against blood doping, notably in assisting in the development and implementation of the Athlete Biological Passport.”

The IAAF also cited their own blood doping expert, Professor Giuseppe d’Onofrio, a leading expert in the field.

“Ethically, I deplore public comments coming from colleagues on blood data that has been obtained and processed outside of the strict regulatory framework established by WADA which is designed to ensure a complete and fair review of ABP profiles,” said Professor d’Onofrio.

“There is no space for shortcuts, simplistic approaches or sensationalism when athletes’ careers and reputations are at stake.”

The two countries mainly targeted by the allegations, Russia and Kenya, have also issued strong rebuttals.

Kenya have called the claims “libellous” while Russian athletics chief Vadim Zelichenok said they were based on “biased material, which isn’t based on facts”.

On Monday, IOC president Thomas Bach vowed “zero tolerance” for any Olympics athletics results tainted by doping.

Here is the full official reaction from IAAF.

Quentin Mitchell’s Skoda S2000 navigates through the Voi Rally. PHOTO/Courtesy

NAIROBI, April 4- Tigoni based driver Quentin Mitchell is been seeded first for Saturday’s KCB Machakos Rally which traverses five stages.

Teaming up with Tom Taylor in a Skoda Fabia S2000, the Vivo Energy sponsored driver will be followed by multiple champions Ian Duncan and Carl “Flash” Tundo.

Flash, who’s Proton Neo Satria car is up for sale, will be driving an Evolution X having given up his quest to dominate in the S2000 classified machine.

Defending champion Baldev Chager takes off in fifth position behind his Kabras Racing teammate Onkar Rai.

Forty-nine drivers have signed up for the event which will be flagged-off outside KCB Machakos branch at 7am on Saturday.

After the ceremonial start, rally cars will proceed to the 10km People’s Park stage which will also serve as the official designated viewing point for spectators.

According to deputy clerk of the course George Njoroge, a 4km liaison distance will then lead crew to the Machakos South Road for a 21.6km competitive run.

They will then come back to Katumani for a short 9km stage and onto Kapiti Plains which is the event’s longest stage (35km).

Rally track will then return to Mombasa Road to tackle the 10km Kathome -Kirwa stage and into first service at the People’s Park. After service, they will repeat the same five-stage loop for a total competitive run of 171 km and a transport road section totalling 112km.

McRae Kimathi will be the newest youngster to join the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) this weekend in a Subaru GC8.

McRae, named after the legendary WRC speed merchant- the late Colin McRae, is son of former 2WD Champion Phineas Kimathi who has taken a racing sabbatical to concentrate on rally organisation and administration.

Kimathi junior will be navigated by George Mwangi who incidentally is the only black indigenous driver to win the Safari Rally with Azar Anwar.

Mwangi is returning from retirement ostensibly to whip up the enthusiasm of the young driver.

“I have received several calls from established drivers to navigate them but declined all offers. I have seen McRae grow his passion for the sport and couldn’t decline his request as he is like a son to me. I am overly excited to groom young budding talent,” said Mwangi who was a teammate to Phineas in the Hyundai Team. Mwangi also navigated Kimathi senior in Meru 2010 and Safari 2011.

Other drivers entering the weekend’s event are former British and Finland Champion Tapio Laukkanen and two times Ugandan Champion Jas Mangat who finished third overall in last month’s Machakos Rally. Mangat is tackling the full season of the 2015 Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) and this is what he had to say about his participation in the KNRC. .

In a related development, AEA Limited, formerly (Avery East Africa) has unveiled a sponsorship with James Kirimiand Evans Mwenda driving car No. 44 a Subaru GC8 in this year’s 2015 KCB Rally. This move has been made necessary in an era where compliance of axle roads in our roads is still a challenge and the drive is to push for transporters to own the process to save the roads for our Children. The team is currently in the lead on S Class after Eldoret Rally ahead of Waigwa Murage and Chandrakhant Chhabhadia Devji “Chandu” from Kisumu.

Kirimi who is the 2011 2WD champion has entered the rally in a Subaru GC8 and is looking at a podium finish in 2015 S class category. The AEA Rally team runs under the innovative slogan “Championing axle loads compliance”

SEEDED ENTRY LIST -MACHAKOS RALLY

1. Quentin Mitchell/Tom Taylor (Skoda Fabia S2000) 2. Ian Duncan/Amo Slatch (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 3. Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 4. Onkar Rai/Gareth Dawe (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 5. Baldev Chager/Ravi Soni (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 6. Jaspreet Chatthe/Gugu Panesar (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 7. Manvir Baryan/Drew Sturrock (Ford Fiesta R5) 8. Rajbir Rai/Timothy Challen (Ford Fiesta R5) 9. Tapio Laukkanen/Pasi Torma (Subaru Impreza GVB13) 10. Raaji Bharij/Jasneil Ghataure (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 11. Jas Mangat/Imran Khan (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 12. Imran Mogul/Adnan Din (Subaru Impreza N10) 13. Karan Patel/Tauseef Khan (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 14.Pavit Kenth/Raju Sehmi (Mitsubishi Evolution 9) 15. Piero Canobbio/Sylvia Firgo (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 16. Amaanraj Rai/Kavit Dave (Mitsubishi Evolution 10) 17. Steve Gacheru/TBA (Subaru Impreza N10) 18. Jasmeet Chana/Ravi Chana (Mitsubishi Evolution 9) 19. Farhaaz Khan/R. Ismail (Mitsubishi Evolution 9) 20. Dennis Mwenda/Job Njiru (Mitsubishi Evolution 9) 21. Frank Tundo/Tariq Malik (Mitsubishi Evolution 9) 22. Jansher Sandhu/Faisal Khan (Mitsubishi Evolution 9) 23. Asad Khan/Mwangi Kioni (Subaru Impreza N10) 24. Alfir Khan/Tinu Khan (Subaru Impreza N10) 25. Mahesh Halai/Ketan Dinesh Halai (Subaru Impreza N12) 26. Tejveer Rai/Zahir Shah (Porsche 911) 27. Murage Waigwa/Tuta Mionki (Subaru Impreza GC8) 26 28. James Kirimi/Evans Mwenda (Subaru Impreza GC8) 29. Eric Bengi/Tony Gikuhi (Toyota RunX) 30. Paras Pandya (Subaru Impreza N10) 31. Hussein Malik/Absalom Aslam (Mitsubishi Evolution 6) 32. Nadeem Kana (Subaru Impreza GC 8) 33. Rob Hellier/Douglas R. (Datsun 160) 34. Sammy Nyorri/Edward Njoroge (Toyota RunX) 35. Natasha Tundo/Chantal Young (Subaru Impreza N10) 36. Chandrakant Devji/Julius Mwachuya(Subaru Impreza GC8) 37. Kirit Rajput/Shameer (Toyota Lexus) 38. Shiraz Yusuf/Azhar Bhatti (Mitsubishi Evo 10) 39. Aslam Khan/Arshad Khan (Porshe Carrera 911) 40. Adil Mirza/Kashif Shaikh (Mitsubishi Evo 8) 41. Alex Lairang’i/Tony Gichohi (Toyota Sprinter) 42. Leonardo Varese/Kigo Kareihi (Toyota Corolla RS) 43.Gurmit Thethy/Harshil Limbani (VW Golf Mk 3 GTI) 44. Nikhil Sachania/Salim Khan (Fiat Abarth Grande S2000) 45. Edward Maina/John Ngugi (Subaru Impreza GC 8) 46. Evans Kamau/Kennedy Kaveke (Subaru Impreza GC8) 47. Savraj Bhui/Albert Kigen (VW Golf GTI) 48. McRae Kimathi/George Mwangi (Subaru Impreza GC8)

IAAF vice-president and front runner to become president, Lord Seb Coe. PHOTO/File

LONDON, August 5- Describing the latest doping allegations levelled against track and field as a “declaration of war,” Sebastian Coe rushed to the defence of the IAAF’s drug-testing system and said it was time to “come out fighting” to protect the reputation of the sport.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Coe gave his first extensive comments following reports by German and British media outlets alleging that the IAAF had failed to act on suspicious blood tests involving hundreds of athletes over a 10-year period.

“It is a declaration of war on my sport,” Coe, an IAAF vice president, told the AP. “I take pretty grave exception to that. This, for me, is a fairly seminal moment. There is nothing in our history of competence and integrity in drug-testing that warrants this kind of attack. We should not be cowering. We should come out fighting.”

Just weeks before the world championships in Beijing, the sport was thrown into turmoil after German broadcaster ARD and The Sunday Times newspaper in Britain alleged that blood doping was rampant, citing test results from an International Association of Athletics Federations database that were leaked by a whistleblower.

“Nobody should underestimate the anger at the way our sport has been portrayed,” said Coe, who is a candidate for IAAF president in elections later this month. “The fightback has to start here. We cannot be portrayed as a sport that is in any way dragging our heels.”

The media reports examined the results of 12,000 blood tests involving 5,000 athletes from 2001 to 2012, and concluded that 800 were suspicious. The reports said that 146 medals — including 55 golds — in disciplines ranging from the 800 meters to the marathon at the Olympics and world championships were won by athletes who have recorded suspicious tests.

“The use of that database, however it got into their possession, displayed either breathtaking ignorance or a level of malevolence around a set of readings you can simply cannot extrapolate beyond,” Coe said. “The idea that my sport sat there either covering up wrongdoing or just being incompetent could not be wider of the mark.”

Coe, the middle-distance great who organized the 2012 London Olympics, spoke to the AP on the same day as the IAAF issued a lengthy statement defending its procedures and calling the media allegations “sensationalist and confusing.”

The ARD and Sunday Times reports were based on analysis of the leaked test results by Australian anti-doping scientists Robin Parisotto and Michael Ashenden.

Coe questioned their credentials, saying, “These so-called experts — give me a break.”

The IAAF has a commission of three independent experts who have tested and checked thousands of blood samples, Coe said.

“I know who I would believe,” he said.

The IAAF said the database was used for building up a record of blood profiles to use for target testing. Most of the samples were taken before the introduction of the biological passport program and cannot be used as proof of doping.

“The use of this stuff, the sensationalizing, this is absolutely an attempt to destroy the reputation of the athletes and our sport,” Coe said. “Nobody is remotely suggesting that news organizations don’t have the right to question and challenge and kick the tires. But this selective use of this so-called information is just wrong.”

Coe said the IAAF has been at the forefront of blood screening and out-of-competition testing for years.

“We will not bend a knee to any other sport in the way we’ve led the way on this,” he said, noting that, since 2011, the IAAF has pursued 63 cases based on the biological passport program, with 39 athletes sanctioned so far.

Coe is competing against pole vault great Sergei Bubka to succeed Lamine Diack as IAAF president. The election will be held in Beijing on Aug. 19, ahead of the world championships from Aug. 22-30.

-Associated Press report