World champion Inzikuru wins steeplechase

MELBOURNE, Mar 22 (Reuters) World champion Dorcus Inzikuru of Uganda won the Commonwealth Games women's 3,000 metres steeplechase today after a last-lap stumble ended Australian Melissa Rollison's brave challenge.

Inzikuru put on a late burst of speed to finish in nine minutes 19.51 seconds, raising her arms in triumph before sinking to her knees in prayer after crossing the line.

Australian champion Rollison had stayed on the Ugandan's shoulder for the last three laps as the two leaders kicked clear of the pack before disaster struck with less than 300m remaining.

Rollison stumbled over the third last hurdle on the back straight, allowing Inzikuru to open a commanding lead in the first women's steeplechase to be run in the Commonwealth Games.

The Australian took silver in 9:24.09, more than six seconds inside her personal best, just ahead of her compatriot Donna MacFarlane, who took the bronze in 9:25.05.

REUTERS PM BS1539