Australian Benita Johnson has claimed victory at the Italian cross-country classic Five Mills race near Milan.

The world cross country champion won the women's race ahead of Hungary's Aniko Kalovics and Rita Jeptoo of Kenya.

Saif Saaed Shaheen of Qatar survived a fall and a bruised leg in the final kilometres to win the men's race.

Shaheen, formerly Stephen Cherono of Kenya, beat Boniface Kiprop of Uganda and Olympic marathon champion Stefano Baldini of Italy respectively.

Kiprop gained on the leader when Shaheen fell during the fourth and second-last lap, and finished four seconds behind.

Baldini, who placed third 26 seconds back, said the race was a good warm-up for the London Marathon.

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