Sum Defeats Savinova to Win World's Gold

Kenya's mid-distance runner Eunice Sum, inspired by compatriots Asbel Kiprop's win in the men's 1500m, defeated Olympic and World defending champion Russian Mariya Savinova at the IAAF World Championships 800m Final.

As expected American, Alysia Johnson - Monatno, took the lead from the gun clocking a very quick 56.05 seconds over the first lap, and having 20m gap between her and the rest of the pack. Montano kept her lead up until the last 50m, when Sum and Savinova made their final burst.

Savinova was roared by the local crowed, but Sum found more strength in the final 40m to win the race leaving the local superstar, Savinova, in second. In the battle for third Montano, in the final meters lost her bronze position to her teammate, Brenda Martinez, Montano threw herself over the line, and moments later dissolved in tears.

The 24 year old  Sum shaved almost two seconds of her previous personal best (1:57.37). Savinova cloked 1:57.80, American Brenda Martinez set a personal best of (1:57.91).

"When I saw Asbel win, I told myself let's also try,"  Sum told reporters.

"In the last 100 meters, I saw I was really moving while the others seemed to be stuck."

"When I took the start I didn't know I was going to run like this or that I could be a winner. I was just hoping for a top five or maybe bronze," added Sum, who back in Kenya specializes more in 1500m

"I think I will stick to the 800 now."

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Women 800m Final Results (Courtesy IAAF.ORG)