Taoufik Makhloufi wins in Brussels but Silas Kiplagat takes Diamond Race

Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi won a thrilling men’s 1500m in 3:31.78, beating Silas Kiplagat at the line by 0.02secs at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Brussels, Belgium on Friday night.

However, Kiplagat’s disappointment was brief as he had done enough to secure the Diamond Race title for the season. Both men raised their arms in salute towards the end of the race after they knew they had both achieved their goals.

World champion [link id=”207″ tax=”post_tag” text=”Asbel Kiprop”], world leader [link id=”276″ tax=”post_tag” text=”Silas Kiplagat”] and world indoor champion [link id=”248″ tax=”post_tag” text=”Ayanleh Souleiman”] were all in contention for the Diamond Race victory. London 2012 Olympic Games champion [link id=”202″ tax=”post_tag” text=”Taoufik Makhloufi”] was also in the race and was always in a good position as well.

Paced through 800m in 1:52.99, Ethiopia’s [link id=”493″ tax=”post_tag” text=”Aman Wote”] was in the lead with 300 metres to go. Makhloufi then moved to the front with half a lap remaining, only for Kiplagat to kick hard.

The Kenyan came close to catching the Algerian, but Makhloufi held on for the win in 3:31.78, just 0.02 ahead of Kiplagat.

The fast-finishing Souleiman was just a further 0.02 behind. Nevertheless, by beating his top two rivals, Kiplagat maintained his lead in the Diamond Race.