Diamond League Doha: Kenya, Ethiopia Dominate Middle, Long Distance Races

Doha, May 05 (QNA) - Kenyan and Ethiopian runners dominated the middle- and long-distance races in the Diamond League's Doha meet, which is organized by Qatar Athletics Federation at the track and field of Qatar Sports Club. Emmanuel Kipkurui Korir came first in the 800m men's race, setting a time of 1:45:21 minutes ahead of compatriot Elijah Motonei Manangoi who set a time of 1:45:60 minutes. Nicholas Kiplangat Kipkoech of Kenya was third as he finished the race in 1:46:51 minutes, while Qatar's Jamal Hairane ranked eighth on 1:47:62 minutes. In the 1,500m men's race, Ethiopia's Taresa Tolosa took first place as he finished in 3:35:07 minutes, while Kenya runners dominated the places from second to fifth. In second place came Manangoi with a time of 3:35:53 minutes ahead of Justus Soget in third who set a time of 3:35:71 minutes. Qatar's Adam Ali Mousab ranked 13th in the race, setting a time of 3:41:90 minutes. As for the 3,000m steeplechase men's race, Ethiopia's Chala Beyo was first as he registered a time of 8:13:71 minutes, while Kenya's Lawrence Kemboi Kipsang was second on 8:15:07 minutes. In third place was fellow Kenyan runner Emmanuel Kiprono Kipsang whose time stood at 8:16:24 minutes. Meanwhile, Qatar's Muhand Khamis Saifeldin ranked 13th in the race after finishing in 9:04:64 minutes. In the women's competitions, South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya came first in the 1,500m race as she set a time of 3:59:92 minutes. She is an Olympic gold medalist in 800m in 2012 and 2016. Kenya's Nelly Jepkosgei was second on 4:00:99 minutes ahead of Ethiopia's Habitam Alemu who finished in 4:01:41 in third place. In the 100m women's race, Ivorian sprinter Marie-Josee Ta Lou was the surprise package as she took first place by setting a time of 10:85 seconds, beating Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor who came second as she finished in 10:90 seconds. In third place was Jamaican two-time Olympic medalist Elaine Thompson who finished in 10:93 seconds. European and World champion Dafne Schippers of Netherlands was sixth, finishing the race in 11:03 seconds. Meanwhile, U.S. athletes dominated the 100m women's hurdles race as they took the first four place. Kendra Harrison was first on 12:53 seconds, while Brianna Rollins-McNeal finished second in 12:58 seconds. Sharika Nelvis came third as she set a time of 12:75 seconds. The women's discus throw event saw Croatia's Sandra Perkovic win first place as she set a distance of 71.38 meters. Cuban duo Yaime Perez and Denia Caballero respectively finished second and third with distances of 66.82 meters and 63.8 meters. (QNA)