Fusi Nhlapho king of the Comrades down run

Despite an extraordinary late surge from Oleg Kharitonov, Liberty Nike's Fusi Nhlapo cruised to his maiden Comrades marathon win in 5:28:52 at the Kingsmead Stadium on Monday.

Nhlapo stormed to the front with 25 kilometres remaining when he passed, with surprising ease, the dominant group of Kharitonov and his Russian team mate Denis Zhalybin, Joseph Molaba and Walter Nkosi.

Once Nhlapo had taken the lead, both the Russians virtually dropped out of sight.

Kharitonov, however, launched a remarkable charge in the last few kilometres as the South African wilted.

Molaba, who had moved to second behind Nhlapo, was unable to hold off the Russian's challenge and had to settle for third in 5:31:54, 13 seconds behind Kharitinov.

The South African victory, coupled to the seven spots in the top ten would have given an enormous boost to the sport in the country.

Nhlapo's surge to victory, however, almost came to nothing when, with seven kilometres remaining, the 33-year-old followed the press truck instead of the marker.

His mistake was rectified before any serious damage could be done and he was able to sweep into Kingsmead, over three minutes ahead Kharitonov.

Nkosi, who had looked extremely strong for much of the second half of the race, was one of those South Africans who faltered in the closing stages and had to settle for seventh behind 2001 winner Andrew Kelehe, Sarel Ackermann and Spain's Aubeso Martin Jorge. - Sapa

TOP 10 MEN

1 Fusi Nhlapo (Liberty Nike RSA) 5:28:52

2 Oleg Kharitonov (Mr Price - RUS) 5:31:41

3 Joseph Molaba (Harmony Gold - RSA) 5:31:54

4 Jorge Aubso Martinez (Mr Price - ESP) 5:32:31

5 Andrew Kelehe (Liberty Nike - RSA) 5:35:18

6 Sarel Ackermann (Liberty Nik - RSA) 5:35:51

7 Walter Nkosi (Liberty Nike - RSA) 5:39:25

8 Willie Mtolo (Harmony Gold - RSA) 5:41:29

9 Denis Zhalybin (Mr Price - RUS) 5:41:38

10 Moses Lebakeng (Harmony Gold - RSA) 5: 42:30