Optimistic Kenya team hopeful of win at World Relay C'ships

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NAIROBI, April 16 (Xinhua) -- There is a sense of optimism in the Kenya camp ahead of next month's World Relay Championships, which will be held in Yokohama, Japan on May 12 and 13.

Mike Mokamba, who will be anchoring Kenya's team for the 4x200m race, believes the country has a strong squad to clinch a win in Yokohama.

"In this race we have been doing well, like in 2017 when we finished fifth, so I can say that we are good to go. It is only about teamwork. We are eyeing the podium against a strong challenge from the USA, Jamaica and Canada," said Mokamba.

Like two years ago in Nassau, Kenya will be sending a full team to Japan to compete in all events.

However, one man on a revenge mission is 800m sensation Ferguson Rotich, who was beaten to the gold medal in the 4x800m relay by the USA team led by Clayton Murphy.

"It was frustrating. Clayton Murphy beat me at the Rio Olympics and again he edged me in Nassau. I have a mission to avenge that loss in Yokohama," said Rotich on Tuesday.

In Nassau in 2017, the USA won a nervy battle in 7:13.16, with Kenya settling for second with 7:13.70, ahead of Poland in third in 7:18.74.

Now Rotich wants to anchor his team to gold in Yokohama. Meanwhile, in the women's 2x2x400m relay, Emily Jerotich is the standout name.

Athletics Kenya (AK) has also confirmed that Kenya will field a team in the newly-introduced 2x2x400m race where Ferguson Rotich, Collins Kipruto, Eglay Nalianya and Emily Cherotich will be carrying Kenyan hopes in the inaugural event.

"The relay series has been a good build up for the Diamond League," said Rotich. Kenya, however, hope to get a qualifying race before it can enter its 4x400m team. This comes after world athletics governing body the IAAF declined to recognize the times posted by teams at the African Championships held last year in Asaba, Nigeria.

Kenya's 4x400m features Alex Sampao, Collins Omae, Alphas Kishoiyan, Joseph Sanare and Kenneth Kimeu. In the women's section, Maureen Thomas, Gladys Nthenya, Evangeline Makena and Veronica Mutua will fly the Kenyan flag in the 4x400m event.

AK Vice Chairman Paul Mutwii believes Kenya's team will be strong enough to improve on its past record.

"The team will head to a residential training camp before departing for Japan on May 6," said Mutwii.

Kenya finished sixth in the 2017 games with 16 points, equal with China. The USA dominated the championships, winning with 60 points ahead of Jamaica on 39, with Australia third with 24 points. Enditem

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