Defending champion Timothy Cheruiyot (pictured) and World Indoor bronze medallist Abel Kipsang have both pledged to ensure Kenya retains the status of a powerhouse in the 1500m race.

The duo is guided by the knowledge that Kenya is yet to lose the World 1,500m title since Asbel Kiprop’s treble in Daegu 2011, Moscow 2013 and Beijing 2015. The finals are set for Wednesday morning.

Elijah Manangoi took over winning in 2017 London before Cheruiyot in Doha 2019. Yesterday they sailed through to the Wednesday morning final in the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.

“It is very tight as you can see it terms of competition because there are top athletes who have been running amazing this season,” said Cheruiyot.

“My main goal this season is to defend my world title and extend Kenya’s dominance,” added the The 2018 Commonwealth Games 1,500m silver medallist who further wants to go one better during this year’s Games slated for July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham, England.

In the semis Cheruiyot finished fourth in the first semi-final heat in 3:37.04 behind the winner Josh Kerr from Britain in 3:36.92 and Mario Garcia from Spain in 3:37.01.

Olympic champion Jacob Ingebrigsten was fourth in 3:37.02 in one of the closest finishes.

Another Kenyan Kumari Taki who fell in the second heat failed to qualify after finishing last in 3:50.15.

“I have one more hurdle to navigate in Oregon, or will be my prayer to leave the United States with my title,” said Cheruiyot bagged silver at the previous 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia.

On the other hand , Kipsang, who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics rallied from three places behind at the bell, to take the lead with 300m to go and easily won the second semi-final heat in 3:33.68.

Mohammed Katir from Spain was second in 3:34.45 as James Wightman of Britain finished third to all qualify to the final.

“The two races, heats and semis were about relaxing and qualifying to the finals where everyone will bring their A game, I know I believe in myself that is the reason why I don’t mind who else is in the final, I will work hard to win my maiden World title. I am hoping everything will go according to plan,” said the African champion.