Ghirmay Ghebreslassie claims marathon gold in Beijing

Ghirmay Ghebreslassie has recorded Eritrea's first ever gold medal at the World Championships as the 19-year-old caused a shock in the marathon.

Kenyan duo Dennis Kimetto and Wilson Kipsang were labelled the favourites before the race started, but it was Ghebreslassie who won the first medal of the meet with a fine performance.

Yemane Tsegay appeared to be on course to take control of the race, before quickly tiring in the closing stages as Ghebreslassie pulled clear to win in two hours, 12 minutes and 27 seconds.

Ethiopia's Tsegay was 40 seconds behind the winner, while Munyo Solomon Mutai clinched the bronze medal after the top three had lost the chasing pack.

Defending champion Stephen Kiprotich, who also triumphed at the Olympics in 2012, finished a disappointing sixth, while no-one from Kenya's highly-rated team managed to claim a spot in the top 12.