Cheptoo, Jepngetich at centre of Kenya's dramatic World U20 opening day

Kenya's quest for more medals at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, survived an early scare after Anastasia Cheptoo Lang'at produced a remarkable recovery to reach the women's 3,000m steeplechase final, while Nancy Jepngetich's impressive run in the women's 800m ended in heartbreak following a disqualification.

Cheptoo delivered one of the performances of the opening session despite a costly error.

Running comfortably among the leaders in the second heat, the Kenyan accidentally missed the water jump before immediately retracing her steps to clear the barrier correctly, sacrificing well over 100 metres and dropping to the back of the field.

Rather than panic, the youngster launched a spirited comeback, reeling in the field within little more than a lap before producing a powerful finishing kick to secure second place in 9:51.02, behind Ethiopia's Almaz Yohannis, who won the heat in 9:42.45.

The dramatic recovery immediately brought back memories of Beatrice Chepkoech, who famously missed the water jump during the 2017 World Championships before fighting back to finish fourth.

Earlier, 18-year-old Mercy Chepng'eno Kosgey had taken a far less dramatic route to the final.

Making her international debut outside Africa, the two-time African U20 silver medallist stamped her authority on the opening heat from the gun, dictating the pace before powering away to victory in 9:36.19.

Kosgey crossed the line almost 20 seconds ahead of Ethiopia's Wosane Asefa (9:56.36), while Sweden's Fanny Szalkai completed the automatic qualifiers in a personal best 9:57.93.

Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir hailed the duo's qualification, saying the performances reflected the country's thriving youth development programme.

"These performances reflect the tremendous potential of our young athletes and the value of the investment Athletics Kenya continues to make through our youth development pathway. We are proud of both athletes and wish them all the best as they prepare for the final."

The women's 800m produced Kenya's biggest disappointment of the opening session.

Nancy Jepngetich looked every bit a medal contender after crossing the line first in her heat in 2:01.25, seemingly securing automatic qualification for the semi-finals.

However, the celebrations were cut short after officials disqualified the Kenyan for a lane infringement, bringing an abrupt end to her championship campaign.

Korir later confirmed Athletics Kenya accepted the verdict after reviewing the incident.

"After reviewing the available footage, our team accepted the referee's decision in accordance with the competition rules."

Elsewhere, Kenya's men's 800m contingent safely progressed to the semi-finals. Collins Tajewou underlined his credentials by winning Heat Five in 1:51.19, while Nashon Pkiach finished third in Heat One in 1:51.35 to also advance.

In the women's 800m, Marion Jepchumba secured the final automatic qualification spot from Heat Five, placing fifth in 2:07.69 to book her place in the semi-finals.