Kenya's Kemboi retains 3000m steeplechase title

DAEGU, South Korea (AFP) - Defending champion Ezekiel Kemboi won the men's 3000m steeplechase world title in emphatic fashion Thursday, sprinting clear before wowing the crowd with a victory dance.

Victory for Kemboi, who won the title in Berlin in 2009 after three consecutive silver medals over the distance, never looked in doubt once he decided to push for home on the final lap, winning in 8min 14.85sec.

Team-mate Brimin Kipruto (8:16.05) was almost caught on the line by France's Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad (8:16.09) but found the strength he needed to claim silver.

South Africa's Ruben Ramolefi set the early pace with Ugandans Jacob Araptany and Benjamin Kiplagat then taking up the reins, with the Kenyans content to bide their time.

At the bell Araptany led with three Kenyans tucked behind him including Kemboi and Kipruto but he could not stay with the two Kenyans when they broke clear with 250m to go, eventually finishing sixth.

The gold medal for Kemboi, the 2004 Olympic champion, is further confirmation of Kenya's status as the dominant nation in middle distance and long distance running.

Kenya's David Rudisha won the 800m earlier this week following stunning medals cleansweeps for Kenya in the women's marathon and 10,000m.