Sudan's Kaki withdraws from 800m at Africa Championships

World indoor champion Abubakar Kaki of Sudan withdrawed from the men's 800-meter in the Senior Africa Athletics Championship in Nairobi, which will make him miss the clash with Africa record holder David Rudisha.

It denies the Kenyan fans the potential clash that would have easily put the world record of former Kenyan Wilson Kipketer of one minute and 41.11 seconds on the line.

Kaki, who holds a fast time of 1:42.23, said he is avoiding Rudisha, whom he will be meeting in Rieti and Brussels in the IAAF Diamond League.

"I said I did not want to run against Rudisha. Not just yet. I want to try my speed and I am sure I will be stronger as we progress," Kaki told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Kaki, the two time World Indoor Championship gold medallist, will try to push either himself or Rudisha to break Kipketer record.

Rudisha however remained upbeat that his (Kaki) withdrawal will not water down the championship. With a world second fastest time of 1:41.51, the Kenyan, a son of former Olympic silver medalist Daniel Rudisha, is on course to retain his African crown, which he lifted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia two years ago.

"I can't promise to run faster than the 1:43 or 1:44 here in Nairobi. The challenge is there and Kirwa and World Champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi of South Africa are enough to light up the stage," said Rudisha.

On the opening day of the championship in Nairobi, Kenya's 800m global stars set fire the stage to easily qualify for the semifinals.

Source: Xinhua