BEIJING // The world record holder Haile Gebrselassie has tipped Martin Lel to become the first Kenyan winner of the marathon title today. The north African country have a grand tradition in road running but have never produced a marathon gold medallist at the Games, the best performances having come from Douglas Wakiihuri and Eric Wainaina who claimed silver in 1988 and 2000 respectively. Gebrselassie believes Lel, 29, who won the New York Marathon last autumn and this year's London race, will hold the upper hand and his main rivals might be fellow Kenyans Sammy Wanjiru and Robert K Cheruiyot. Asked for the likely outcome, Gebrselassie said: "No questions but the Kenyans. Lel, he's the one. But you never know with the marathon, which is an open field. Lel is strong mentally and physically." Gebrselassie opted out of the marathon, preferring to run the 10,000m, but admits the Beijing air pollution - which he felt would be a hindrance - has not materialised. The Ethiopian finished sixth in the 10,000m.
* PA Sport