Kenyan Kiprop wins third consecutive men's 1,500m title at Beijing worlds (updated)

Kenyan star runner Asbel Kiprop maintained his dominance over the men's 1,500 meters event as he used a stunning last 200m sprint to secure his third successive world title at the world athletics championships in Beijing on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who impressively claimed the title in both 2011 and 2013, clocked 3:34.40 for gold while his compatriot Elijah Motonei Manangoi had silver in 3:34.63.

Morocco's Abdalaati Iguider took bronze in 3:34.67.

"I am so proud of myself to become a member of this exclusive club of the three times world champions but I would love to defend the title also fourth time again in London 2017," said Kiprop, who has enjoyed an outstanding 2015 campaign with only one defeat so far.

To a thunderous crowd packed in the Bird's Nest, the tall, slender Kiprop produced a stunning finish as he started his late charge from 12th place to first only in the last half-lap to take gold.

The masterful Kenyan had a reason to feel complacent in the final as his result of 3:26.69 in a Monaco event last July was the fastest 1,500m seen for 14 years and also the third on the world all-time list.

"I came here not to run but to win. I never panic in the race, I knew what to do and what I was training for. It was a good race, I executed well and it was also special. I became the Olympic champion here in Beijing. It was a fast last lap, I knew I was good on the finish," Kiprop added. Endit