By Mike Rowbottom

Kenya's world 800m record holder David Rudisha, still seeking full fitness after returning from a knee injury, has been given wild card entry by Kenya to the Glasgow 2014 Games ©Getty ImagesDavid Rudisha, the world 800 metres record holder, and Ezekiel Kemboi, the double Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion, have been given wild cards to compete for Kenya at next month's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - but there will be no place for double world 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop.


Rudisha and Kemboi missed the three-day national trials in Nairobi which ended today, but the selectors offered both automatic entry to Glasgow 2014, which is due to take place from July 23 until August 3.

Kiprop, however, will not be in Glasgow after dropping out of his race in the trials at the halfway point.

He has been was left out of the team, along with the 2010 Commonwealth champion Silas Kiplagat, who missed the trials.

Rudisha, the Olympic and former world champion, is currently in New York preparing for his second comeback race, on Saturday (June 14), after his return from a year's absence with a knee injury.

Rudisha finished seventh in his first race back, at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Diamond League meeting in Eugene on May 31, but is hoping to show more track sharpness at the upcoming event.

Kemboi, who is also a three-time world champion, missed the trials, citing competition fatigue. 

In his absence, former world junior champion Jairus Kipchoge Birech dominated from gun to tape to finish to win in 8min 18.7sec.

Ezekiel Kemboi, pictured offering one of his dance celebrations after winning the 3,000m steeplechase at London 2012, has more to celebrate after being given a wild card to compete at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty ImagesEzekiel Kemboi, pictured offering one of his dance celebrations after winning the 3,000m steeplechase at London 2012, has more to celebrate after being given a wild card to compete at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images

"I didn't want to take any chances after failing to make the qualification in three previous trials," said the 21-year-old Birech, who arrived in Nairobi straight from his stunning victory in the Rome Diamond League on Thursday (June 5).

The women's 1500m was won by Hellen Obiri, who held off FaithChepngetich on the home stretch for her fourth successive victory of the season.

The former world indoor champion clocked 4:04.8 while Chepngetich, the reigning world junior champion, timed at 4:05.4.

"I am going for both the Commonwealth and African titles," said Obiri, who notched up a season-leading performance in Eugene last month.

"I am in great shape this season."

There were also victories for the world 800m champion Eunice Sum, who beat 2007 world champion Janeth Jepkosgei, and Joseph Kitur in the men's 5,000m.

A total of 68 Kenyan athletes were selected for both the Commonwealth Games and the African Senior Championships in Morocco in August.

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