CROSS COUNTRY

CROSS COUNTRY; Jennings Retains World Title

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March 25, 1991, Section C, Page 2Buy Reprints
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Lynn Jennings of the United States, reversing the tactics that first earned her international acclaim, captured her second consecutive cross-country world title today.

Jennings, 30 years old, came from sixth place in the final half mile to triumph by 20 yards over Tulu Derartu of Ethiopia. Her winning time was 20 minutes 24 seconds for the 6,425-meter course (about four miles) before a crowd of 21,000 spectators on the city's left bank.

Last year, in Aix-les-Bains, France, Jennings pulled away early in the race to become the first American woman in 15 years to win the world title, but today, Jennings held back. Scouting the Weaknesses

"I didn't want to be predictable," she said. "I watched the leaders, looking for a sign of weakness."

Jennings, who lives in Newmarket, N.H., did not strike till the home stretch. Confident in her finishing tick, she swept ahead of front-running Liz McColgan of Britain, the 1988 Olympic silver medalist in the 10,000 meters, with 150 yards to go. McColgan, who had a baby four months ago, finished a close third.

In the men's race, Khalid Skah of Morocco matched Jennings's feat, defending his title by using a potent kick. He sprinted ahead of Kenyans Moses Tanui and Simon Karori to win by a stride. Feeling Under the Weather

Skah, 24, who said he has been ill for the last week, raced the 11,764-meter course (7.3 miles) in 33:53. Tanui was second last year as well by virtually the same margin.

Skah was followed across the finish line by five runners from Kenya, which won its sixth men's team championship in a row. In an unprecedented showing, Kenya swept all four team titles -- the men's and women's junior races in addition to the main events.

The United States women, six-time champions, placed fourth. In addition to Jennings, American scorers were Annette Peters (19th), Elaine Van Blunk (28th) and Gwynn Coogan (29th). U.S. Men Place 10th

The United States men, who have never won the world team title, placed 10th in the field of 24 nations.

They were led by Dan Nelson of Eugene, Ore., the 1987 National Collegiate Athletic Association 3,000-meter steeplechase champion, who took 28th place. Pat Porter, eight-time United States national cross-country champion, finished 68th.

Melody Fairchild, a high school senior from Boulder, Colo., was third in the women's junior race, covering the 4,435-meter course (about 2.75 miles) in 14:28.