WU20: Keter strikes gold in 1500m, Etyang' disqualified from bronze position

Kenya's splendid performance at the World Under 20 Athletics Championships continued late into the penultimate day as Vincent Keter led compatriot Kamar Etyang' to a gold and bronze medal position in the men's 1500m.

The later was later disqualified from the bronze medal position for lane infringement as his hapless run continued.

Etyang' had dominated the pre race chit chat following his ouster from the Tokyo Olympics squad and impressive showing in the semis. But it was the less talked about Keter who sprung the delightful surprise and delivered gold in 3:37.24.

Ethiopians Wegene Addisu and Melkeneh Azize placed 2nd and 3rd with Etyang' striped of podium moment.

Keter has been quick from the gun and took the inner lane as his compatriot Etyang was boxed off the leading athletes. His lanky frame rounded off the field and took the race leadership going into the second lap with Keter a yard behind and Addisu a further yard out.

Keter pulled level and ran with Etyang shoulder to shoulder with the Ethiopians dangerously larking just behind.

Keter took initiative and led the field with Etyang's huge frame starting to tire and the diminutive Kenyan pulled well clear heading into the final lap. Addisu overtook Etyang' and gave Keter the chase of his life but the Kenyan proved he was made with stronger

Keter's victory was sweet music in the ears of coach Bernard Ouma who punched the air in satisfaction having seen his athlete run to instructions.

Keter said he had broke sweat both in training and in the final to deliver Kenya's fifth gold.

"I had worked for gold and I am happy to be the champion. I was under pressure to deliver and it took tactics for me to win.Having Kamar and the Ethiopians was a big push but when I realised that the pace was slow as we did the first lap in 60 seconds in had to take charge. We exchanged leads with my teammate but after realising he wasn't at his best I made up my mind to kick and it paid off," he said.

Pre-race favorite Etiang could not hide his frustration after having his bronze handed to Melkeneh Azize of Ethiopia.

However the towering athlete expressed satisfaction in having the platform to showcase his talent having missed on the recently concluded Olympics.

"I am happy and I thank God for this. In the second lap I felt some pain on my leg and I just slowed down just to make sure I am in the lead. Coming from a place where Athletics is not appreciated I know this means alot to me and to the people of my county. This is just the beginning. I have now represented myself as a worthy athlete and the future awaits