Cheruiyot Wins Women's 10,000 Title in Kenyan Sweep

Vivian Cheruiyot won gold in the women's 10,000 meters on Saturday as Kenya swept the first four places at the athletics world championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Compatriot Sally Kipyego could not overhaul Cheruiyot in a blazing sprint to the line and took silver, with Linet Masai taking the bronze. Another Kenyan, Priscah Cherono, finished fourth.

It was the second podium sweep of the day for Kenya, who also took home gold, silver and bronze in the women's marathon earlier on Saturday.

Cheruiyot, who took the 5,000 title in Berlin two years, ago, won in a personal best time of 30:48.98 after hitting the front with two laps to go.

I'm very happy, and I set my best time too, said Cheruiyot.

American Shalane Flanagan took the field out over the first 3,000m but on lap nine the rangy Masai, who won the title two years ago, injected a burst of pace and strung out the field behind her.

With her rivals sitting on her shoulder Masai tried to encourage them to shoulder some of the pacemaking burden but eventually the effort told on her in the closing 800m and she was outpaced by Cheruiyot and Kipyego.