Bungei battles hard to 800m glory

Kenya's Wilfred Bungei claimed gold with a battling display in the 800m on Saturday in the Bird's Nest.

After a fifth in Athens in 2004, the 2006 world champion ran from the front to finish ahead of Sudan's Ismail Ahmed Ismail and Kenyan Alfred Kirwa Yego.

It was a slow start and Cuba's Yeimar Lopez looked threatening on the final bend, but Bungei held on to claim victory in a time of 1:44.65secs.

World silver medallist Canadian Gary Reed came home in fourth place.

Defending champion Yuri Borzakovsky, world indoor champion Abubaker Kaki and Olympic silver medallist Mbulaeni Mulaudzi all failed to make the final.

Bungei, who gave Kenya their first men's 800m Olympic title since William Tanui in 1992, said: "I came here as the underdog because of the times I ran so far this year.

"It's been a good night for Kenya. We have done something good here for our country."

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