Kenyan Chebet sees off Ethiopia challenge in world cross country

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland (AFP) –

Kenya’s Emily Chebet (right) and Linet Chepkwemoi Masai at the 38th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland on March 28, 2010. Chebet ran a superb tactical race to claim the women’s world cross country title for 2013 on Sunday and leave her country’s bitter rivals the Ethiopians in the minor medal places.

Kenya’s Emily Chebet ran a superb tactical race to claim the women’s world cross country title on Sunday and leave her country’s bitter rivals the Ethiopians in the minor medal places.

The 27-year-old allowed favourite Hiwot Ayalew to set the pace, with the Ethiopian acclerating away in the second of the four laps but Chebet ate into her lead bit by bit before joining her on the final hill.

The Kenyan then sped away at the 200 metres mark to take the title.

Ayalew took silver while her compatriot Belaynesh Oljira finished third.

Ireland’s European champion Fionnuala Britton toiled away to finish 14th.