2022 Tokyo marathon SPORTS EYE

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya warded the challenge of countryman Amos Kipruto to win the Tokyo Marathon in 2:02:40 and moved closer to sweeping the World Marathon Majors. The 2016 Rio Olymics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion, just need to win in Boston and New York.  Kipruto the 2019 World Championship bronze medalist, finished second in 2:03:13 while Ethiopian Tamirat Tola, pocketed third in 2:04:04. The top three could have clocked a  better time if not for a wrong turn in the 10K mark. The lead vehicle made the error causing the runners to lose some 8 seconds. Japanese Susuki Kengo was the best local finisher, clocking 2:05:28 to wound up fourth. Shura Kitata also of Japan was fifth in 2:06:12.  The rest of the top 10 are 6th placer Laban Korir (2:06:37-Kenya), 7t Sonota Kenya (2:07:23-Japan), 8th Yuzawa Shun (2:07:31-Japan), 9th   Kikutani Kento (2:07:55-Japan) 10th Michael Githae (2:07:55).

Women's Division

Women’s World Marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya ruled the distaff side in 2:16:02 to compliment Kipchoge’s win. Kosegei frustrated the Ethiopians challenge as she relegated Ashete Bekere (2:17:58) and Gotytum Gerselasie (2:18:18) to second and third, respectively. Angela Tanui of Kenya came in fourth while Hiwot Gebrekidan of Ethiopia settled for fifth.  The best Japanese finisher was Ichiyama Mao who clocked 2:21:02 to rank sixth.  Seven placer was Niiyo Hitomi  (2:21:12) Japan. Sara Hall of the United States who set  an American half-marathon in Houston Texas, last January was a disimal eight placer in 2:26:56. Completing the top 10 were 9th Helen Bekele (2:24:33- Ethiopia) and 10th Morita Kaoki (2:27:38-Japan).  Kipchoge and Kosgeis’ clocking is considered the fastest in Japanese soil.

Leonid Stanislavaky

Leond Stanislavsky of Ukraine is the world’s oldest tennis player at 97.  He was given the recognition by the Book of  Guinness on July 2021. He helped the Soviet Union built military planes in World War II to fight the Nazis.  Stanislavastky  said he’s trying to survive long enough to hit triple digit. He turns 98 at the end of this month.

Iloilo splits games

After a long winning streak, the Iloilo Kisela Knights was upset by lowly Surigao 9.5-11.5.  The Knights earlier clobbered the Toledo Trojans 16-5. Before the debacle, Iloilo blasted Camarines 18-3 and nipped Davao 11.5-9.5 last Wednesday. Davao is in second place with a 22-7 record.  Despite the  loss, the Knights still top the Southern Division with a 26-3 mark .  In the Northern Division, the Pasig Pirates remain te leader with 28-1 slate.