NAIROBI, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- World steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech hopes her decision to skip the Africa Games will pay off as she lines up to defend her Diamond Trophy in Zurich on Thursday in the first of two finals of the Diamond League series.
Chepkoech, leads a battery of Kenya runners to the Swiss capital, where she will link up with five Olympic champions, 11 world champions and 11 defending Diamond League champions, all having earned the right to battle it out for the series crown.
At stake is the 3 million shillings (30,000 U.S. dollars) prize money and bonus of 50,000 dollars for Diamond Trophy winners.
Moreover, the winners will earn a wildcard entry for World Championships set for Doha, Qatar from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6.
"I have to defend my title, it is what I have been focusing on and why I opted out of Africa Games. The challenge is hard and am ready to take it in my strides," said Chepkoech on Tuesday in Nairobi.
Chepkoech is the world leader at 8:55.58 and the winner of five of her six races in the discipline this year, credentials strong enough to put her in the favorite's role.
She will take on Kenyan compatriot Norah Jeruto, who defeated her in Oslo in 9:03.71, the year's second fastest time, and world champion Emma Coburn (USA), who chased her home - albeit at a distance after recovering from a fall - in Chepkoech's world-leading run in Stanford.
"I have prepared well and look forward to earn my place at the winner's podium. I want this season to be special because I have missed a medal in the last World Championships and the Rio Olympics. Hopefully, I will wrap up the Diamond Trophy and to gain a medal in Doha," Chepkoech added.
