Kenya`s Kiplagat eyes World Championships gold

Nairobi: Kenya failed to win the men`s 1,500 metres gold medal at the London Games, but 2011 World Championships runner-up Silas Kiplagat is ready to make amends at the Moscow Worlds next month.

Kiplagat only finished fourth at London. "It was disappointing for me and everyone, but I tried my best. I promise Moscow will be different from London. I want to win a gold," said Kiplagat. Kiplagat won the Kenya trials here a fortnight ago and said Kenyans will have nothing to worry about as they have agreed to work as a team together with world champion Asbel Kiprop, Bethwell Birgen and Nixon Chepseba. Kiprop has already confirmed his strength in men`s 400m as the Beijing Olympic champion set a world fourth fastest time ever of the distance in 3:27.72 Friday in Monaco. "Running against Kiprop is always a challenge. But we have come to know how to respect each other. I beat him and he also beats me. So in Moscow, we will see how the qualification will be and then when we meet in the finals, I hope I can win," said Kiplagat. Kiprop however, will not be sleeping on his laurels to wait his opponent to play catch up. "I`m also very excited about my race this season, especially my time in Monaco. My priority now is Moscow and I want to give it my best there," Kiprop posted on his Facebook account. After the withdrawal of Algeria`s Olympic 1500m champion Taoufik Makhloufi, Kenya`s 1,500m team of Kiprop, Kiplagat, Chepseba and Birgen is hopeful of making a sweep of the top four slots. "We are a strong team. We only need to maintain our focus during the training and competition. We shall execute our plan together," said Kiplagat. The 14th IAAF World Championships will run from Aug 10 to 18. IANS