NAIROBI, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Diamond League Series champion Beatrice Chepkoech is relaxed and under no pressure heading to the World Championships, which will be held in Doha, Qatar from Sept 28 to Oct. 6.
The world number one athlete in the water and hurdle race, however, has warned her critics and rivals that Kenya will reclaim the world title, which they lost to American Emma Coburn in London in 2017.
"You have seen our performance in the Diamond League and even today here in Nairobi. I am not under pressure and I enjoy my run. A lot will depend on how the body will be on the race day, but I have since brushed aside the 2017 London loss," said Chepkoech on Thursday in Nairobi.
Despite having a wild card, Chepkoech opted to run in the Kenya trials to offer support and hope to her colleagues and even crossed the finish line holding hands with 2015 World 3,000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng and World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist Cellphine Chespol.
"It was a show of unity and is our plan to go and destroy the world in a similar fashion in Doha," said Chepkoech. The Kenya trio will be a hard nut to crack.
Chepkoech, who was fourth in London, has a ghost to exorcise and secure her first major title. She finished fourth at the Rio Olympics.
Chespol has just stepped out of the junior ranks and wants to stamp her authority in the senior's cadre while Kiyeng wants to prove she is not a spent force.
Chepkoech won the race in Nairobi clocking in 9:45:15 ahead of Kiyeng, the 2017 World bronze medalist, in 9:45.20 while Chespol came home third in 9:45.24 as African Games silver medalist Fancy Cherono wound fourth to seal the last place in the Kenya team to Doha.
With the wild card, Kenya will be allowed to enter fourth athletes, same to 1,500m where Timothy Cheruiyot (Diamond Trophy winner) and World champion Elijah Manangoi can opt to skip the trials.
Earlier, Africa 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Korir won in his semifinal race ahead of Abel Kipsang who came in second while Ferguson Rotich was third.
In the other semifinal, Edward Kemboi won clocking 1:45.82 edging out Jonathan Kitilit for second with Kipngetich Ngeno third.
The women 800m race saw Emily Tuwei win the second semi-finals in 2:04.74 ahead of former World Champion Eunice Sum while Jackline Wambui was in third position.
In the first semifinal, Eglay Nalianya was the winner taking 2:03.60 to beat Jarinta Mawia to second position.
The finals will be on Friday. Kenya will name its final team to the World Championships after the finals.
