World record holder in 10 km Agnes Jebet Ngétich, produced a dominant performance as she claimed victory in 5,000 m at the 49th Allianz Memorial Van Damme Diamond League in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday night.
Jebet, who is in excellent form ahead of the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, took the lead at the 3000m mark and managed to hold on for the win in 14 minutes and 24.99 seconds, moving up to third place overall on 15 points.
Ethiopians Likina Amebaw and Aleshign Baweke finished 2nd and 3rd in 14:31.51 and 14:31.88, respectively.
“Today’s race was not bad. I am happy with the win, but I wanted to run faster. I really wanted to improve my PB, but today I had to push alone, and it was hard. The next thing now is to focus on the World Championships. I am doubling the 5000 m and 10 000 m, and I’m really ambitious. I want to make at least one podium, which is the most important thing. To get a medal at the highest stage in the world.” said Jebet
Nelly Chepchirchir placed third in the 1500-meter race in 3:57.35, behind the American Nikki Hiltz and the Australian Linden Hall, who took first and second place, respectively, in 3:55.94 and 3:56.33.
Olympic and world bronze medallist Abraham Kibiwot claimed 4th position in the 3000 msc in 8 minutes 11.26 seconds.
Youth Sensation Phanuel Kosgei settled for a 2nd position in the 1500m, clocking 3:31.41, while Reynold Cheruiyot finished 5th.
Former World Javelin Champion Julius Yego managed an 80.50m throw to finish 5th; the event was won by German Julian Weber in 89.65 m.
Mercy Andongo Oketch won the 400m non-Diamond race in 51.26 seconds.
Following the end of the 14 Diamond League meets, the final meet will take place in Zurich from August 27 to 28.
Top athletes from each discipline will compete for tickets to the World Athletics Championships and diamond trophies.
