Olympic champion Kipyegon retains 1,500m title with world lead in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Reigning Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon of Kenya clocked a world lead time of three minutes and 59.22 seconds to retain her 1,500-meter title at the Diamond League Shanghai meeting here on Saturday.

Taking a leading position after two laps, Kipyegon shrugged off a strong challenge from Dawit Seyaum of Ethiopia in the last 300 meters to win her second consecutive title in Shanghai.

Last year, Kipyegon clocked a meet record of 3:56.82 in the Shanghai Stadium.

Seyaum finished second in 4:00:52 and her compatriot Besu Sado finished third in 4:03.10.