AK Trials: Kinyamal bags 800m victory as Kandie wins 10,000m

An utterly entertaining 800m race culminated with 2018 Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal claiming victory with Emmanuel Wanyonyi coming in second at the Athletics Kenya World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games trials.

Kinyamal cut the tape in 1:43.54 while Wanyonyi clocked 1:44:01 as Ngeny finished third in 1:44:05.

The race was off to a feisty start with the field of athletes posting a strong start as Kinyamal took an early lead in the first lap and had the energy to fend off a strong finish from Wanyonyi to claim victory.

Elias Ngeny joined the top two finishers in qualifying for the World Athletics Championships slated for Oregon next month.

In the 10,000m final, former Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) cross country champion Kibiwot Kandie displayed exceptional endurance to finish first with Stanley Mburu coming in second as Daniel Mateiko completed the podium finish.

Kandie posted a time of 27:33:57 with Mburu coming in second at a time of 27:34:01 while Mateiko settled for third at a time of 27:34.62.

Kandie acknowledged the toughness of the race but was delighted with his body response in the final 400m which enabled him to earn a ticket to the World Championships.

"It was a tough race but I am happy my body reacted well in the final lap. I am glad I have sealed qualification to the World Athletics Championships. I intend to beat all odds and bring gold home," said Kandie.

After fluffing in the 5000m men's final on Friday, Stanley Mburu made amends in 10,000m as he left the leading pack early, decision which proved to be a masterstroke as he settled for second.

"I made mistakes in the 5000m in day of the qualifiers and vowed not to repeat in the 10000m. I made errors yesterday in the final laps in day one but this time round, I kicked early and thus it was difficult to be boxed in the inner lane," said Mburu.

Emmanuel Wanyonyi who came second in the 800m could not hide his joy after sealing qualification to the World Championships.

"I am glad I have qualified despite the slight dip in form. At least I will have time to work on it in the remaining weeks to the showdown," said Wanyonyi.