Image: COURTESY
Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala clocked 9.86 seconds to set the third fastest time this year during the Athletics Kenya national trials for the World Championships at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
Omanyala blazed past his competitors at the half-way mark on his way to victory.
The Africa's fastest man, who has trained his eyes for glory at the World Championships in Hungary, said he was surprised with the time even though the target was to run a sub-10.
"Hitting 9.86 is a proof that my body is getting back into shape. This is a motivation that the 9.6 dream is still on. My target now is to win the first African gold medal in Hungary. I promise to deliver a great race," said Omanyala.
In another race, 2019 world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot clocked 3:34.01 to win in his specialty.
Cheruiyot who has been battling injuries, edged out the world indoor 1500 bronze medalist Abel Kipsang to second in 3:34.30.
The world under-20 1500m champion Reynold Kipkorir settled for third in 3:34.34 and will now bank on the selection panel to decide his Budapest fate.
"I look forward to reclaiming my title in Budapest. Today, I took it slow since it was about winning and not setting a particular time. It feels great to be back to my best. The next step is to return to the top," said Cheruiyot.
Nelly Chepchirchir won the women's cadre in 3:59.77.
She beat Brenda Chebet to second in 4:03.00 while Ednah Jebitok finished third in 4:04.57.
"This is a dream come true. I am delighted to make it to Team Kenya. Let's now see what Budapest will have in store for us but I trust in God we will deliver," said Chepchirchir.
Meanwhile, Emanuel Wanyonyi clocked 1:44.09 to win the men's 800m. The national champion Alex Ngeno came second in 1:44.21.
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