The Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyal stole the show at the 4th edition of Kip Keino Classic, the World Athletics Continental Gold Tour at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday.
Omanyala defended his 100m title, which he won last year at the same venue, by completing the race in 9.84 seconds to secure a world lead ahead of American Kenneth Bednarek (9.98) and Marvin Bracy-Williams (10.03).
The crowd, including top Kenyan leaders such as President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, erupted in cheers and applause.
Despite a false start, Omanyala remained composed and felt that the race was his moment to shine as part of his preparations for the World Championships.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi, a former world under 20 800m champion, set a championship record by winning the 800m title in a world-leading time and personal best of 1:43.32.
Wycliffe Kinyamal, a two-time Commonwealth Games 800m champion, came second with a meet record time of 1:43.36, while former world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot closed the podium in 1:44.99.
By winning the 100m title at the Kip Keino Classic, Omanyala achieved the world lead time and met the official entry standard for the World Championships, clocking at 9.84 seconds.
