by Larry Eder
Farah 8:03.40 WB, 2 more WL´s
BIRMINGHAM (GBR, Feb 21): Already boasting two World and Olympic titles, Mo Farah now has a world best, his first top global mark in his career. His 8:03.40 for 2 miles highlighted the action at the Sainsbury´s Indoor Grand Prix, which also featured two other world leads. Farah’s fellow Olympic champion Greg Rutherford opened his season with four jumps over 8 metres, his best being 817 in the final round, a PB and WL. Sharika Nelvis of the USA was dominant in the women’s 60mH, clocking 7.87 to move up one place, to first, on the 2015 rankings (Eurochamp Tiffany Porter 4th 8.13). Farah ran the second half alone after passing the pacer, Paul Kipsiele Koech, and distancing Bernard Lagat in one move. His opening mile was timed at 4:03.9, with his second a blistering 3:59.5. His 3000 m split was World leading British record 7:33.1, also third best ever by an European. Koech hung on for 2nd in 8:13.46, with Lagat 3rd in 8:17.05, another masters WR. Rutherford’s long jump win was only secured in the final jump of the competition, in which he surpassed Xinglong Gao’s 812. EkaterÃni StefanÃdi’s Greek pole vault record lasted just one day, as NikolÃa Kiriakopoúlou launched herself over 480 to reclaim the national mark. Fabiana Murer was 2nd with 470. Katarina Johnson Thompson made it two national record setting weekends in a row, winning the long jump in a EL of 693, and backing it up with 685. She was followed by Chistabel Nettey (684), Ivana Spanovic (675) and Funmi Jomoh (660). Despite a slow reaction, Kim Collins extended his unbeaten streak, clocking 6.50 for his first win in Birmingham. Daniel Bailey and Mike Rodgers were both DQ’d for false starts. Chijindu Ujah (6.55) and Trell Kimmons (6.56) were 2nd and 3rd. Murielle Ahoure was similarly dominant in the women’s 60m, winning in 7.10 over Tianna Bartoletta (7.15), Michelle Lee Ahye (7.17) and Mujinga Kambundji (7.18 =NR). Here Dina Asher-Smith was a non-starter. In the men’s 1500m, Bethwell Birgen led the pack into the final straight, but was passed on the line by Vincent Kibet, both were timed at 3:34.91 (PB for Kibet and 3 more runners who went sub 3:36). Pieter Jan Hannes set a Belgian NR of 3:37.30 for 7th, while Matthew Centrowitz was only 10th. Kevin Craddock posted a strong 7.58 to win the 60mH, over the deep dipping Lawrence Clarke (7.62), Jarret Eaton (7.62) and Aries Merritt (7.63). Ethiopia’s Axumawit Emabaye ran 4:23.50 over the mile, running away from world leader Shannon Rowbury (4:24.12). Junior Gudaf Tsegay clocked 4:26.84 for 3rd. Tunisia´s Habiba Ghribi won the 3000m in 8:46.61 national record, although Senbera Teferi (8:46.84) was closing fast. Jenny Meadows ran away from the field to win the 800m in 2:01.25, over Charlene Lipsey (2:02.61). Jeremiah Mutai (1:45.93 PB) was also a clear winer in the men’s race, over Andre Olivier (1:46.25). Seren Bundy Davies got over her British trials fall by posting an EL of 51.72 to win the 400m. Francena McCorory was next with 52.09. Front running Nigel Levine won the men’s race in 46.43, with Jarryd Dunn finishing well to beat Bershawn Jackson (46.67 PB-46.98). Allan Smith topped the high jump on count-back with 226 cm.
