Kenyans extend steeplechase stranglehold

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Sydney: Unfancied Reuben Kosgei won the men's Olympic 3,000 metres steeplechase gold on Friday, extending Kenya's historic stranglehold on the event.

He timed eight minutes 21.43 seconds to beat compatriot Wilson Boit Kipketer, the 1999 world silver medallist (8:21.77), and Ali Ezzine of Morocco (8:22.15).

The race, slow and tactical, exploded into action in the last 200 metres with a group of eight runners still in contention. The three Kenyans broke clear to hurdle the final barrier together, with Boit Kipketer landing in front.

He was heading for the line until a brush with Kosgei knocked him out of his stride, allowing the 21-year-old, the former world junior champion, to come through.

Ezzine finished strongly to dip past the third Kenyan, world record holder Bernard Barmasai. The three Kenyans all joined in the victory celebrations.



(c) Reuters Limited.