Gent expects a fast 1500m; Komen to be challenged by Keitany – PREVIEW

Gent, Belgium – Daniel Kipchirchir Komen opens his season at the KBC Indoor meeting in Gent next Sunday (8). The Kenyan was the quickest in the world at 1500m both indoors and outdoors. The battle between Komen and fellow Kenyans Haron Keitany and Suleiman Simotwo promises to become one of the highlights of the programme. A very strong field, headed by Russian Pavel Gerasimov, gathers in the Men’s Pole Vault.

The KBC Indoor is an IAAF Indoor Permit meeting

Kenyans favoured in the 1500m and 3000m

The expectations for the men’s 1500m are very high. Daniel Kipchirchir Komen, who actually has a training base in Belgium, will try and run a very fast race Sunday. However, Komen will face a tough challenge from fellow Kenyans Haron Keitany, the 2008 World Athletics Final 1500m winner who won in Moscow (1 Feb) over 1000m, and Suleiman Simotwo. The organisers provide high level pace setting by 800m specialist Ismael Kombich and by Rueben Bett.

There is more Kenyan interest in the 3000m with Robert Sigei, Jonas Cheruiyot and Edwin Kipkorir prominently figuring on the starting lists. Steeplechasers Tareq Mubarak Taher from Bahrain and Nahom Mesfin from Ethiopia have the potential to disturb the Kenyans in this event. Last year’s winner Khaled Belabbas from France can not be ruled out either.