NAIROBI, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Diamond League 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot says he will seek to become the fourth man to run under three minutes and 27 seconds in Monaco in July.
Cheruiyot, who is the World silver medalist, has only lost one race this season at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia to compatriot Elijah Manangoi.
However, he believes his strong performance in the Diamond League will not only secure him the trophy but also a fast time. He has since singled out the Monaco race as his springboard.
"My goal for the season is to run under 3:28 in Monaco. I know I can improve my time," said Cheruiyot on Sunday.
Only three men have run under that time in the recent decade. They are world record holder Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco (3:26.00), American Benard Lagat (3:26.34) and three-time world champion Asbel Kiprop (3:26.69).
Cheruiyot holds a fast time of 3:29.10 from Monaco, which he posted last year. But the 22-year-old is certain he can shade off three seconds this time round.
He started the Diamond League season with a win in Shanghai clocking 3:31.48. It was the first time they were clashing with the Manangoi in the race in the Prefontaine Classic Mile on Saturday, which he won in 3:49.87 ahead of Ethiopia's Samuel Tefera 3:51.26.
Cheruiyot has struggled to get out of Manangoi's shadows, but this season he has shown the consistency required to be his own man.
He lost to his compatriot in Commonwealth Games and the World Championships. However, the real test this year will come at the Africa Athletics Championships in Asaba, Nigeria on Aug. 1-5.
"I know I have not done well in championships, but I will get my day," he said.
The Africa Championships will be used for selection of the continent's team to the IAAF Intercontinental Championships in Ostrava, the Czech Republic in September.
Only the top two athletes across the finish line will secure the tickets.
