Qatar's Saif Saaeed Shaheen retained the men's 3,000 meters steeplechase title at the world championships here on Tuesday.

The Kenya-born Shaheen, also the world record holder, clocked eight minutes 13.31 seconds for the win,. Kenya's Ezekiel Kemboi took the second in 8:14.95 and his compatriot Brimin Kipruto was third in 8:15.30.

Shaheen made his move just before the bell and pulled away from the field. He kicked for home off the last bend to claim a predicted gold. Olympic champion Kemboi tried to go with Shaheen but he could not chase him.

Former world record holder Boulami bravely battled down the line but was just edged out for the bronze by Kenyan Brimin Kipruto. Spain's Jose Luis Blanco led over the first 1,000m but he finished well back into the pack.

Shaheen said after the race: "It is good to win, I am very proud of defending my world title. Today's race was very much easier than in Paris two years ago.

"I tried a different tactic than how I usually run, and it worked well. I was alone for most of the race, the Kenyans did not bother me at all. I knew they were good, but after five laps I was sure that I was home safe, and they could not stop me."

Shaheen, whose former name is Stephen Cherono of Kenya, failed to represent his adopted country in the Athens Olympics last year because he got the Qatari citizenship too late.

According to the IOC, a competitor who has switched nationalities may represent a new country in the Olympics as long as three years have passed since the competitor represented his or her former country.

"This is just a consolation for me after missing Athens last year," Shaheen said. "The race was great, I felt good right from the start."

Kemboi said: "Silver is a good medal for me today. Under these circumstances I am satisfied with my time, but it was a difficult race for me.

The delay and the rain casued some problems. I had to warm-up several times."

Source: Xinhua