Athletics-Kipruto leads Kenyan sweep in steeplechase

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 28 (Reuters) Olympic silver medallist Brimin Kipruto led a Kenyan sweep of the podium in the men's 3,000 metres steeplechase at the world championships today.

Kipruto surged clear of Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi in the final 150 metres, waving both arms in delight as he cruised home in eight minutes 13.82 seconds.

Kemboi, who also took silver at the last world championships in Helsinki, clocked 8:16.94.

Richard Mateelong finished third in 8:17.59 and the three medallists celebrated together with a lap of honour wrapped in a Kenyan flag.

''It's the first time I won a gold medal,'' Kipruto told reporters. ''We will celebrate tonight as a team, as a country.'' REUTERS BJR HS1853