Janeth Jepkosgei powered to an impressive victory in the IAAF / VTB Bank Continental Cup 800m to add another notch to her solid 2010 campaign.
Closing strongly off the final turn, the 2007 World champion strode confidently towards the line to stop the clock in 1:57.88, just 0.04 shy of her season’s best.
“I liked the fans here in Split,” said Jepkosgei, this year’s Samsung Diamond League winner in the event. “They were very supportive.” It was support she needed to a surprisingly brisk race.
Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica and Team America was second with a season’s best 1:58.16, just ahead of European champion Mariya Savinova, third in 1:58.27.
“It’s my best time this season,” said Sinclair, a former World indoor silver medallist. “Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to win but I’m satisfied and I’m looking forward to some sightseeing tomorrow. Split is such a beautiful place.”
All but one of the eight starters – world leader (1:57.34) Alysia Johnson of the USA – dipped under two minutes. Tintu Luka of India and Team Asia-Pacific was fifth in 1:59.17, a new national record.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF