Kenyans will renew their rivalry with the Ethiopians for the top honours in the ninth edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon today. While Kenyans have a strong field of athletes that includes favourite William Kipsang in the ranks, Ethiopians will be banking on only five athletes.


William Kipsang at the media centre. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Kipsang, who clocked his personal best of 2:05:49 inu00a0 the 2008 Rotterdam Marathon, will face stern competition from compatriot Luke Kibet, 2007 World Champion in Osaka.

Ethiopia's Siraj Gena, runners-up of the last Mumbai Marathon, can give Kipsang a run for his money. Moldovan Iaroslav Musinschi, with a personal best of 2:08.32, could be the dark horse.

SUNDAY MiD DAY speaks to top athletes on Kipsang's chances of winning today:

* Kenya's Luke Kibet (Best time: 2:08:52 in 2005 in Eindhoven): It is tough to predict. Personally, I feel Kenyans will dominate the men's field. William has a fair chance to win.