The Olympic champion and world record-holder led from gun to tape, clocking 1min 45.84sec for victory. Poland's Adam Kszczot claimed silver in 1:46.08, with Bosnian Amel Tuka taking bronze (1:46.30)
AFP
Beijing, China
Kenya's David Rudisha claimed a second world 800m title with a smart tactical race in Beijing on Tuesday.
The Olympic champion and world record-holder led from gun to tape, clocking 1min 45.84sec for victory. Poland's Adam Kszczot claimed silver in 1:46.08, with Bosnian Amel Tuka taking bronze (1:46.30).
Rudisha went out fast to nail down point, going through the first lap in 54.15sec. Down the far straight, European champion Kszczot tried to force past Rudisha on the inside, but the Kenyan managed to muscle him off as the pack spread with runners looking for a clean line.
Tula sat in fourth behind Kenyan Ferguson Rotich and Kszczot at 200 metres, all three fighting for two podium spots as Rudisha opened up and put in one final burst for the line. Tula's trademark electric last 30-metre finish came too late, not even able to catch the Pole, with Rudisha clean home.
Rudisha, who set an amazing world record of 1:40.91 when winning gold in the London Games, was sidelined for most of the 2013 season with a knee injury that saw him sit out the Moscow worlds. He may be yet to break 1:43 this season, but Rudisha proved the perfect tactician on the night to see off any contenders.
