An Algerian record in the women’s 3000m, albeit a non-winning run, was the highlight for the local spectators at the African Area permit meeting in Alger, Algeria, yesterday (22), on an evening of high class action.

Moroccan Mariem Alaoui Selsouli, the 2002 World Junior silver medallist, who had impressed last winter with a 8:41.67 indoor personal best when winning the 3000m in Gent (26 Feb), took an 8:45.96 victory over the distance at yesterday’s CAA Grand Prix d'Alger. This win was an outdoor PB, her previous best of 8:49.15 having come via a fourth place finish in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on 30 May. Selsouli had taken victories in her last two races in Zaragoza, Spain (8:53.08 - 3 June), and in Rabat, Morocco (8:53.47 - 17 June).

The 22-year-old Moroccan led home Algeria’s Ait Salem Souad in second place, pulling her to 8:47.99, a national record. There were also celebrations for the hosts when Ali Saidi Seif won the men’s 3000m (7:44.40).

South Africa’s Ofentse Mogawane won one of two men’s 400m races in 45.87, though the quickest of the night was Algeria’s Malik Louahla, the “A” race winner (45.67).

The second fastest 800m runner in the world this current season, Saudi Mohammed Al Salhi, won the 800m in 1:44.60. Algeria’s Nabil Madi was second (1:45.48), with 2003 World champion Djabir Said-Guerni, third, 1:47.59.

Sultana Ait Hamou of Morocco won the women’s 800m in 2:00.40, Morocco’s Abdelkader Hachlaf took the men’s 3000m Steeplechase (8:20.14), and Algeria’s Tarek Boukensa was a clear two second winner in the men’s 1500m – 3:34.47.

Mohamed Salman Al-Khuwalidi, Saudi Arabia’s Asian record holder for the men’s Long Jump (8.44m – 2005) was the winner of his specialist event with an 8.10m leap (-0.5m/s wind).

Andrea Bettinelli won the men’s High Jump with 2.28m.

High class results in Alger