Kipruto, Kemboi, Mutai and Sakari advance

Day 7 of the ongoing London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium

Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto, Ezekiel Kemboi and Abel Mutai qualified for Sunday’s men 3000m steeplechase in their respective heats on Friday afternoon.

In heat 1, Mutai finished third in 8.17.70 behind Mahiedine Mekhisi-Benabad of France who took first place in a time of 8:16.23. USAs Evan Jager came second in 8:16.81.

In heat 2, Kipruto won in a time of 8:28.62 ahead of Italy’s Floriani Yuri 8:29.01. Morocco’s Brahim Taleb was third in a close 8:29.02.

In heat 3, Kemboi jogged to the finish line in lane 6 taking second place in 8.20.97 in favor of Ethiopia’s Roba Gari who clocked 8.20.68 to win. Hamid Ezzine of Morocco came third in 8.21.25.

Earlier in the day, Joy Sakari Nakhumicha qualified for the 400m semi finals with a personal best of 51.85. She came third in a race won by France’s Francea Mcocoroy who posted a time of 50.78 while Great Britian’s Christine Ohuruongo finished second in 50.80.

Kenyans missed Saturday’s semifinals after Mucheru came sixth in heat 6 of the 400m hurdles in a time of 50.33 while compatriot Vincent Koskei finished seventh in heat 3 recording a time of 50.80.  

Felix Sanchez of Dominican Republic won heat 6 posting a time of 49.24, ahead of Great Britain’s Jack Green who clocked 49.49. Third place went to Mamadou Kasse of Senegal in 49.63.