NAIROBI, July 26 (AFP) - Albert Chepkurui, one of twoKenyan athletes at the centre of a row over their bid torun for Qatar, has been named in the national team fornext month’s world championships in Paris.
Earlier this week, Chepkurui, along with theCommonwealth 3,000 metres steeplechase champion StephenCherono were reported to have signed a deal with theQatar athletics federation to run for the Gulf state forbetween two and five years.
But while the 22-year-old Chepkurui returned home forthe national trials, where he was placed fourth in themen’s 5,000 metres on Saturday, Cherono stayed away fromthe championships.
Apart from competing in Paris, Chepkurui was alsoselected in the Kenyan squad for the Pan-African Gamesin Abuja, Nigeria in October.
However, there is no place in either team for 800metre star Wilfred Bungei.
The reigning world silver medallist went down withmalaria on the eve of the trials and was not able tocompete in his speciality.
He left hospital on Friday night and could only watchSaturday’s final race from the sidelines.
Veteran Leah Malot, who upstaged the Commonwealthchampion, Selina Kosgei in the women’s 10,000 metres onFriday was also left out of the team.
The World championship team is:
Men:
400m - Ezra Sambu, Victor Kibet, Vincent Mumo.
800m - Japheth Kimutai, Justus Koech, NicholasWachira.
1,500m - Paul Korir, Isaac Songok, Bernard Lagat.
3,000m steeplechase - Ezekiel Kemboi, Abraham Cherono,Michael Kipyego.
5,000m - Abraham Chebii, John Kibowen, Eluid Kipchoge.
10,000m - John Korir, Wilberforce Talel, AlbertChepkurui.
20km Walk - Julius Sawe.
Marathon - Michael Rotich, William Kiplagat, JosephNgolepus, Ambrose Makau, Christopher Cheboiboch.
Women:
800m - Faith Macharia.
1,500m - Naomi Mugo, Jackline Maranga.
5,000m - Edith Masai, Jane Wanjiku, Isabella Ochichi.
10,000m - Selina Kosgei.
Marathon - Catherine Ndereba, Joyce Chepchumba,Beatrice Omwanza.