Vincent Kipyegon to face off with Rotich in steeplechase final at Nyayo

Athletes clear the barrier during the semi-finals of 200m steeplechase race on March 31, 2015 during the trials for the Africa Youth Championship at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Athletes battle it out as Kenya selects team for this year’s Africa Youth Championship.

By AYUMBA AYODI
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Junior international Vincent Kipyegon Ruto and Geoffrey Rotich will face off in the final of 2,000m steeplechase race during the national trials for the Africa Youth Championships on Wednesday at Nyayo Stadium.

Kipyegon, who finished fourth in 3,000m steeplechase at the Africa Junior Championships a fortnight ago, dominated to win his heat easily in 5 minutes, 40.5 seconds.

The 17-year-old athlete from South Rift beat Nairobi’s Nixon Kiplagat to second place in 5:42.0 as North Rift’s Emmanuel Kimutai came third in 5:46.5 to reach the final.

Rotich, 17, who missed a chance for the Africa Youth last year after finishing third in the trials, clocked 5:41.3, beating compatriot Cleophas Kandie to second 5:46.3.

Boniface Mutinda from Southern in 5:49.5.

“I’m determined to win here and in Mauritius (Africa Youth Championships) and atone for my poor performance in Ethiopia,” said Kipyegon.

“I have trained so well and I want this victory badly as I also focus on World junior next year. I can’t wait for the final. My desire is to wear Kenyan colours for the first time in Mauritius,” added Rotich, a Form Two student at ACK Kimogoch, Nandi.

STRONG TEAM

Interestingly, Rotich’s younger brother, Evans Kiptoo, a Form One student at Marben Educational Centre, will compete in the 400m hurdles finals on Wednesday.

Kiptoo clocked 56.5, the fifth fastest time in the qualifiers, for the final that has eight contestants. Geoffrey Kipng’etich from South Rift was the fastest qualifier in 52.9, followed by Emmanuel Kipyegon (54.0) and Gedion Kibet (Nairobi) in 54.5.

Athletics Kenya vice president Jackson Tuwei said they intend to select a strong team for the Africa Youth Championships due April 23 to 26 in Mauritius.

Sila Meli (North Rift) won men’s 800m second heat in 1:50.8 to emerge the fastest ahead of Wednesday’s final.

Bett Kipyegon (South Rift) finished second in the heat with the third quickest time of 1:51.1 as Wisner Kiprotich (South Rift) 1:51.7 wound up third with the fourth fastest time to all make to the final.

Boaz Kiprugut won heat four as the second fastest qualifier in 1:51.0 while Dennis Tanui won heat one with the seventh fastest time of 1:52.0 but still sailed through to the final.

Betty Chepkemoi won her heat two 800m semi-final in 2:07.01 while Purity Chepkoech won first heat in 2:09.07.

Tarus Kimaru (South Rift) clocked 3:48.0, beating Edward Kibet (North Rift) in 3:48.8 to win heat one of men’s 1,500m semi-final. The duo posted the fastest qualifying times.