Defending champion Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon and compatriot Winnie Chebet stormed into the women’s 1500m final in the Doha World Championships on Thursday.
Cheng’etich finished fourth in the first semi-final that was won by Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands – whose coach Alberto Salazar was banned on Tuesday over doping.
Chebet finished fifth to also qualify in Heat 2 that was won by American Jenny Simpson in 4:00.99.
Hassan, running from the back for the better part of the race, exploded in the last 200m to win in 4:14.69, with American Shelby Houlihan and Morocco’s Rababe Arafi second and third respectively.
Chepng’etich, the winner of the global title two years ago in London, timed 4:14.98 for fourth place to make it to Saturday’s final which starts at 8.55pm EAT.
