He was the World Cross Country Champion five times in a row in Gebrselassie's absence.

The final broke down to a team race, with three Kenyans vs Ethiopians Gebrselassie and Assefa Mezgebu.

Unlike previous finals, Tergat had the drop on Gebrselassie, making Geb chase, with only Mezgebu able to hold on behind.

Down the homestretch both were in full sprint, Tergat ahead, Gebrselassie making progress but not advancing enough to pass.

Tergat strained, his last several steps losing his balance while Gebrselassie held form to take the gold again.