400m hurdles national champion Wiseman Were will lead a quality field of eight athletes in the 400m hurdles final at the 43rd edition of the Kenya Defence Forces at the Ulinzi Sports Complex this afternoon.
The Commonwealth Games 4x400m bronze medallist won in the second heat of the semifinals in 50.62 ahead of John Gikonyo (53.66) and Peter Andai (54.11).
Were will be targeting to beat his personal best of 49.09 that he set at the Kip Keino Classic two weeks ago.
"I am aiming to run under-50. I will also try to set a new personal best, to beat the time I set at the Kip Keino Classic," Were said.
The 25-year-old says competition in the semis was great and hopes the atmosphere will remain the same in the final. He added that his target is to defend the title he won last year.
"The semis were tough and I hope it will be the same in the final. My target is to defend my title," Were pointed out.
"I am currently training very hard for the World Championships. This (KDF competition) is also part of my preparations. My priority is to be fit for the world competition and be able to clinch gold."
Were will face stiff competition from William Mbevi, Kiplimo Kessio and Edward Ngunjiri, who recorded better times in the first semifinal.
Michael Musyoka and Emanuel Kipkirui qualified for the final as the best losers after clocking 52.11 and 52.15 respectively in the first semifinal.
