Athletics

Burundi's Venuste Niyongabo clocked 3min 32.79sec, the second fastest 1,500 metres of the year, at a meeting in Malmo, Sweden, on Thursday. His time was 1.86sec outside the 1996 best by Noureddine Morceli, of Algeria, in Rome earlier this month.

Tegla Lorupe, the New York City marathon champion, was soundly beaten by Sally Barsosio in the 10,000 metres final at Kenya's Olympic trials yesterday, placing in doubt her selection for next month's Atlanta Games. William Tanui, the Olympic 800m champion fended off a strong challenge from young rivals to qualify for the 1,500m final. Tanui was 0.30sec behind the little-known Elijah Maru who won their semi-final in 3min 42.50sec. Lucas Morogo was third. The second semi-final was won by another unknown, Laban Rotich, in a 3min 36.70sec with Stephen Kipkorir second and David Kibet third.