By Jonathan Komen

Upstart Robert Biwott beat a quality field to win men’s 1,500m final at the National Bank of Kenya/Athletics Kenya track and field meeting at Mumias Sports Complex.

World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop, who was the race favourite, skipped the finals despite having sailed through the qualifying rounds on Friday.

But a bout of flu ruled out world 800m record holder David Rudisha, who was expected to launch his season in Mumias.

Biwott, who was fresh from winning the inaugural Africa Youth Athletics 800m and 1,500m titles in Warri, Nigeria, last month, stormed into lead mid-way through the race with her close challengers in hot pursuit.

The Form Four student at Athinai Secondary School in Baringo County then stepped up the pace, strolling to victory in three minutes and 46.5 seconds.

Vincent Leting (3:45.1), Richard Kiplang’at (3:48.1) and rising star Job Kinyor (3:48.9) came second, third and fourth as Sammy Kirongo (3:49.9) and Gilbert Kipsang (3:56.4) sealed the top-six spots.

The 17-year-old Biwott said: “I wish Asbel (Kiprop) was here. I really wanted to take him head on. He is a man I always admired in 1,500m race.”

Africa junior 5,000m champion Jairus Kipchoge cruised victory in 3,000m steeplechase in 8:25.9, beating Hillary Yego 8:26.1 and Clement Kemboi (8:35.7).

Isaac Yego (8:38.5), Peter Bomo (8:39.8), Abraham Kapsis (8:41.0) and Lagat Amos (8:54.3) came in that order.

Newcomer Ambrose Bore turned out the meet show-stopper, blowing away a classy 5,000m men’s line up –that had Two-time Africa 3,000m steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong –to smithereens.

The Kericho-based Bore carried the title in 14:17.8 ahead of Tirop Eric (14:18.1) and Douglas Kipserem (14:18.4).

Cornelius Kangogo (14:18.8), Emmanuel Bor (14:22.4) and Peter Rotich (14:24.6) followed.

Mateelong, the reigning Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase champion, could not take the heat, disappearing off the radar mid-stream.

 “The body could not respond well. But I am happy to have launched my season,” he said.

Abednego Chesebe produced a brilliant run to wear men’s 800m crown in 1:47.4, beating rookies Simon Rotich (1:47.7) and Moses Kipkemboi (1:48.3).

Daniel Komen (1:48.9), Reuben Mbidi (1:49.3), Kipyegon Bernard (1:52.2) and Bernard Biwott (1:58.7) followed.

World Junior 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich lifted the 800m title in 2:02.8, outsmarting new catch Nelly Chepkosgei (2:03.0) and double world junior 3,000m champion Mercy Cherono.

LEADING RESULTS

MEN

800m

1. Abednego Chesebe 1:47.4

2. Simon Rotich 1:47.7

 3. Moses Kipkemboi 1:48.9

1,500m

1. Robert Biwott 3:46.5

 2. Vincent Leting 3:47.1

 3. Richard Kiplang’at 3:48.1

3,000m steeplechase

 1. Jairus Kipchoge 8:25.9

 2. Hillary Yego 8:26.1

 3. Clement Kemboi 8:35.7

 5,000m

 1. Ambrose Bore 14:17.8

 2. Tirop Eric 14:18.1

 3. Douglas Kipserem 14:18.4

 10,000m

 1. John Chepkwony 29:14.8

 2.  Elkana Terer 29:15.3

 3.  Joseph Ebuya 29:15.7

 WOMEN

 800m

1. Faith Chepng’etich 2:02.8

 2. Nelly Chepkosgei 2:03.0

 3. Mercy Cherono 2:05.7

 1,500m

 1. Mercy Cherono 4:25.3

 2. Fancy Cherotich 4:26.3

 3. Lydia Wafula 4:27.0

 3,000m steeplechase

 1. Purity Cherotich 10:02.0

 2. Virginia Nyambura 10:18.1

 3. Eva Cherono 10:20.6

 5,000m

 1. Caroline Chepkoech 16:16.5

 2. Jackline Chepng’eno 16:17.5

 3. Gladys Chesir 16:21