Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay holds on to win the world 5,000m gold
EUGENE, Ore., July 23 (Reuters) - Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay held off late challengers to win the women's 5,000 metres at the World Championships on Saturday record-holder Letesenbet Gidey faded down the straight to miss the podium.
Tokyo bronze medallist Tsegay traded the lead with compatriot Gidey, the world 10,000m champion, throughout the race until the pack took off for the final lap.
The Netherlands' 5,000m Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, known for her ferocious kick, picked up the pace before delivering a challenge with 200m to go as she wove to the inside but could not maintain her speed as Tsegay charged down the final straight.
"I have been training well for 1,500m, and this helps spring on the home stretch," said Tsegay, who collected silver in the 1,500m earlier in the meet. "This win is for all of Ethiopia.
"I was trying to control the race coming from the first place during the run, so it was very hard for me ... I felt in shape, and my victory confirms it was a good plan."
Kenyan Beatrice Chebet rose in the final 200m for silver, and Ethiopian Dawit Seyaum finished with bronze.
"It was a matter of tactics. I was well positioned," said Chebet. "This medal will make a big difference for me."
It was the fourth gold for Ethiopia in Eugene, Oregon, which have ten medals total and sit behind the United States on the medals table.
Seymour, who kept Doha silver medallist Margaret Kipkemboi off the podium, said it was an exceptional performance for her after dealing with injuries for five years.
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