Yakob Jarso of Ethiopia led a clutch of racers to cross the finish line first in the qualifying round of the Men's 3000m Steeplechase setting a personal best of 8 minutes 16.88 seconds on August 16 at the National Stadium.

Mahiedine MekhissI-B of Franc finished second in 8 minutes 16.95 seconds with Anthony Famiglietti of the United States third in 8 minutes and 17.34 seconds.

The reigning Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya was in the fourth place with 8 minutes 17.55 seconds. He will be chasing Kenya's seventh straight Olympic title in the Men's 3000m Steeplechase.

Fifteen athletes are qualified to run at the final to be held on Monday, August 18, at the National Stadium in Beijing.

(BOCOG August 16, 2008)