EUGENE -- World champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain used a masterful final 150 meters to hold off Kenya's Beatrice Chepkoech to win the women's 3000m steeplechase at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field.

Yavi crossed the line in 8:50.66, breaking the meet record of 8:53.65 set in 2021 by Kenya's Norah Jeruto, as well as the Asian record of 8:52.78 set in 2016 by Ruth Chebet of Bahrain. The time is also a personal-best for Yavi, and four seconds faster than the world-leading time of 8:54.29 she ran to won gold in Budapest. 

On the all-time list, Yavi now only trails the world record of 8:44.32 run by Chepkoech at the Diamond League meet in Monaco in 2018.

“Today I didn’t expect I did the second fastest time," Yavi said. "I’m so happy, I’m excited at the same time.”

The race did not appear like it would wind up as fast as it did, as the leaders went through the first 2K in just 5:58.82. But a huge negative split in the second half of the race materialized with Yavi and Chepkoech pushing the pace. 

Unlike at Worlds, where the 2019 champion Chepkoech led most of the way, it was Yavi dictating things here. At the bell, she ratcheted up the pace but was unable to drop her challenger. 

As the two made their way toward the final water jump, Chepkoech surged, trying to catch Yavi by surprise. But Yavi covered the move out of the pit and the two ran emerged should to shoulder. Chepkoech tried to make another move over the final barrier, but Yavi once again had an answer. By that point, Chepkoech was spent and Yavi cruised the final 25 meters for the win.

Yavi said the strength she showed late in the race is a product of the work she has been putting in.

“I think this year has been precious, it has been so far good to me this year,” Yavi said. “Behind the scenes I’ve been working hard secretly, I’ve been sacrificing a lot, training hard, doing a lot, doing a lot of strength training. I used to do a lot, something different than last year, so I think I got a big improvement this year.”

Chepkoech finished second in a season-best 8:51.67. Faith Cherotich of Kenya was third in a personal-best 8:59.65.

“It gives me more power, like I can do better than this," Yavi said of the inspiration she gets from racing Chepkoech. "To see the world record holder behind me I feel like I can even do the same thing like her.”

Courtney Wayment was the lone American in the field, finishing ninth in 9:20.69.