Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon claimed victory in the women’s 1500m semi-final at the World Championships in Eugene Saturday morning, as she won her Heat in 4:04.53.
Kipyegon was in control of the race in the final two laps leading compatriot Winny Chebet after trailing behind Japanese Nozomoi Tanaka, carefully calculating her kicks.
At the bell, the Kenyan who is seeking to reclaim the title she lost in 2019 moved to the front of the pack with Australian Jessica Hull and Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu frantically chasing her shadow.
Hull finished second in 4:04.68 while Hailu was third in 4:04.85.
In the meantime, African champion Chebet also qualified automatically after finishing second in her heat.
Chebet moved from fifth to second in the final 50meters to easily secure a ticket to tomorrow’s semi-final.
She clocked a season’s best time of 4:03.12, finishing second behind Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay who timed 4:02.68.