The Ugandan, who secured the 5,000m and 10,000m double at Delhi 2010, edged clear with virtually his final stride of the 25-lap race to win in a time of 27min 56.11sec.

A few metres earlier, the 27-year-old had appeared out of the reckoning as Canadian Cameron Levins, a training partner of England's absent world and Olympic champion Mo Farah, made a valiant attempt to surge ahead.

Kenya's Josphat Bett ensured it was a three-horse race by overhauling the Canadian before being agonisingly pipped on the line by his African rival.

It was a finish that conjured memories of other great 10,000m races of the past, including the dual between Kenya's Paul Tergat and Ethiopia's eventual winner Haile Gebrselassie at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

"I'm very happy, I didn't expect this," Kipsiro, who secured Uganda's first gold medal of the Games, said.

"A boy deep, deep inside me was telling me to improve my energy.

"God let me push, push, push."

Moses Kipsiro of Uganda edges clear to claim 10,000m victory ©Getty Images



If Kipsiro's victory was about fine margins, Sally Pearson's over the 100m hurdles was one of utter domination.

Despite having a build-up overshadowed by being criticised by Athletics Australia head coach Eric Hollingsworth for opting to race at the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games in London rather than attend a pre-competition training camp in Gateshead, the Olympic gold medallist showcased all the qualities of a true champion by dominating from start to finish.

She powered home in 12.67sec, ahead of England's Tiffany Porter, who finished third to Pearson's second at the 2013 World Championships, while Angela Whyte of Canada took bronze.

There was another similarly impressive victory for Eunice Sum of Kenya over 800m, with the world champion easing clear over the final 200m to stop the clock at 2:00.31, while Kenya utterly dominated the 3,000m steeplechase to sweep all three podium positions.

Unheralded 22-year-old Jonathan Ndiku was the slightly surprising winner as he set a Games record of 8:10.44.

England's Steve Lewis continued his upward curve in the pole vault by adding gold to the silver he won at Delhi 2010 and the bronze he secured four years earlier in Melbourne.

Compatriot Luke Cutts finished in second place.

There was also something for the home crowd to cheer as Lynsey Sharp finished a valiant second behind Sum in the 800m, emotionally breaking down on the podium as she completed her recovery from an injury ravaged two years.

Lynsey Sharp provided a Scottish highlight when finishing second behind a dominant Eunice Sum over 800m ©Getty Images



In addition to Pearson's success, Australia also ensured a golden night with two victories in the field courtesy of high jumper Eleanor Patterson and 2009 world champion Dani Samuels in the discus.

Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago also threw 85.28 metres for a national record in the qualifying for the men's javelin, making him hot favourite for tomorrow's final.

But there was no doubt who the crowd had come to see as Bolt anchored Jamaica to a comfortable victory in the second heat of the men's 4x100m relay, stopping the clock at 38.99.

With the likes of Trinidad and Tobago and England also looking strong, Bolt's team will have to up their game to win gold in the final.

But, given his and Jamaica's track record in the event, as well as the fact individual 100m champion Kemar Bailey-Cole should be added to the team, you would be brave to bet against them.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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