Francophone Games
10000m
1. Dieudonné Disi (RWA) 29:38:68
2. Anis Selmouni (MOR) 29:39:07
3. Hicham Bellani (MOR) 29:43:39
4. Godfrey Rutayisire (RWA) 29:46:19

800m Heat Stages
1. Seltana Hammou (MOR) 2:04:60 Q  
2. Marguet Linda (FRA 2:05:87 Q  
3. Karine Belleau (CQC) 2:06:86 q  
6. Jeanne d’Arc Uwamahoro (RWA) 2:21.92 

DIEUDONNE Disi ended his medal drought in style after securing gold in Thursday’s 10,000m at the on-going Francophone Games in Beirut, Lebanon.

Having won the 2005 edition in Niger, Disi was eager to shine and he didn’t disappoint as he sailed home in a time of 29 minutes, 38 second and 68 micro seconds.

Morocco’s Anis Selmouni finished second after returning 29 minutes, 39 seconds and 07 micro seconds.

Hicham Bellani also from Morocco finished third five seconds off the pace.

Thursday’s performance is a relief for the long distance ace who has not been at his usual best after a number of injuries this season.

The low point of his season came four weeks ago when he dropped out of the Berlin Marathon just when he looked like he would finish in a decent position.

Compatriot Godfrey Rutayisire, who was making his debut in the Games, finished in a decent fourth spot after clocking 29:46:19.

The pair has now switched its focus to Sunday’s 5000m. Disi will definitely fancy his chances after scooping a bronze medal in Niger.

"It’s a good way to crown off the season. I think I deserve the medal because I prepared,” he told Times Sport on phone.
In the ladies category, Jeanne d’Arc Uwamahoro failed to qualify from the 800m heat stages after a sixth spot finish (2:21:92).

By press time, two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame and Claudette Mukasakindi were gearing up for the women’s 10,000m race.

Ends