World 3,000m steeplechase champion Faith Cherotich./SCREENGRAB 


World 3,000m steeplechase champion Faith Cherotich delivered a commanding performance to win gold and set a new Commonwealth Games record in the women's final in Glasgow on Wednesday night.

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The 22-year-old crossed the finish line in 9:01.76, eclipsing the previous Games record and handing Kenya its second gold medal of the championships.

Cherotich executed a composed race plan, staying within reach of the leading pack before producing a decisive burst after the final water jump to pull clear of her rivals.

World 3,000m steeplechase champion Faith Cherotich./SCREENGRAB 

"I ran my race, and I was not looking back. The only tactic I had was to win the race, nothing else," said the jubilant champion after her victory.

Kenya also enjoyed success in the women's 800m, where reigning world champion Lilian Odira booked her place in the final after winning the opening semifinal in 1:59.39.

Reflecting on her achievement, Odira said qualifying for the final in her first Commonwealth Games appearance was a memorable milestone.

"First of all, I am grateful. Making it to the finals in my debut at the Commonwealth Games is something that is amazing, so I am happy personally," she said.

In the men's 1500m, Brian Komen advanced to the final after finishing fourth in his semifinal in 3:54.94, joining former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot in the medal race.

World 1500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot also progressed after placing second in the opening heat in 3:58.98, managing his race well over the closing stages to secure qualification.

Kenya, however, suffered a setback after Elkana Sabila was forced out of the men's 200m heats with an injury.

Zablon Ekwam kept Kenya's hopes alive in the event by storming to victory in the opening heat in a season's best 20.42 seconds to qualify for the semifinals.

In the women's 400m hurdles, Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera secured a place in the next round after finishing third in her heat in 56.43 seconds.

At the end of the day's action, Kenya was 12th on the medal standings with two gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, August 2.