Kip Keino Classic: Omanyala, Sha'Carri light up Kasarani

It's safe to say the organisers of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting in Kenya, the Kip Keino Classic, have delivered. 

What's more, the king of Kenyan sprints Ferdinand Omanyala lived to the hype and expectations of his fans who thronged Kasarani Stadium to witness their homeboy battle the world. 

Out to challenge his national and African record time of 9.77 seconds at home, he fell short but still managed a world leading 9.84 seconds to finish ahead of American Kenneth Bednarek.

Olympic and world silver medalist in 200m Marvin Bracy-Williams completed the podium places in a season best of 10.03 seconds, behind Bednarek's 9.98 seconds, a season best for the American. 

Meanwhile, in the absence of multiple Olympic and world champion Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce who pulled out due to injury, attention in the women’s sprints was on American sprint sensation Sha'Carri Richardson. 

She clocked 22.07 seconds to set a new meeting record on her debut at the Kip Keino Classic.

Coming into the race as the overwhelming favourite, the American lived up to expectations. 

She dominated the race and even had time to celebrate before the finish line as she went through the finish line well ahead of second-placed Kyra Jefferson who clocked her season best time of 22.77 seconds. 

The United States was dominant as Ray Shannon completed the podium places in a personal best time of 22.82 seconds.

Elsewhere, World Under-20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot and former champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi were victors in men's 1500m and 800m respectively as Mary Moraa and Beatrice Chepkoech dominated 800m and 3000m steeplechase.