Agnes Tirop clinched bronze in the girls 5,000m at the World Junior championships in Barcelona on Wednesday. Tirop lost out to the Ethiopian duo of Buze Diriba and Ruti Aga.

Diriba carried the gold after posting 15:32.94 narrowly edging out Aga who finished in 15:32.95 with Tirop settling for bronze with a 15:36.74 clocking. The Ethiopians took control from the midway point and stepped up the pace which proved too hot fot Tirop to handle and settled for third.

Elsewhere world youth 400m silver medallist Alphas Kishoyian romped to he final . Kishoyian was given a time trial run by race officials. In his semi the starter fired the gun before the Kenyan was in the set position and although there was no protest a re-run was organised.

Kishoyian the world number 7 this summer didn't disappoint himself or his supporters when beating Russiam Nikita Uglov's 46.49 best time by 0.03. The Russian achieved the time as the eighth fastest qualifier for the final.

Favourite Luguelín Santos qualified fastest in 45.98 from the dramatic first heat.

The Kenya team is expected to add to their medal tally later today with three finals. Daisy Chepkemei and Stella Rutto will be seeking to win the 3,000 meters steeplechase while Hillary Ngetich and Dominic Mutuka face a stiff battle in the 1,500m with Alpas Kishoyian a strong medal prospect in the 400m following his sterling run in the heats on Wednesday. Kenya iare ranked third with one gold one silver and two bronze.

With Agencies