Opportunity to build for Doha seized by Ennis

GREAT BRITAIN captain Jessica Ennis will get a good idea of her golden credentials for the World Indoor Championships later this year when she captains Great Britain today in a very strong Aviva International Match field.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jan 2010, 23:37 BST
Updated 29th Jan 2010, 23:38 BST

Sheffield's world heptathlon champion hopes to add the global indoor title to her growing collection in Doha in March and begins her international season in stellar company.

The multi-eventer was initially scheduled to compete in just the high jump but has added the 60m hurdles to her programme to go head-to-head with world indoor champion Lola Jones, who captains the USA team.

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"Obviously I'm used to expecting a certain standard from other heptathletes, so to come into a specialist environment and compete in the hurdles and the high jump will be really good," said Ennis.

"I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to race against some of the top hurdlers – obviously Lolo Jones – and try and push myself to see if I can squeeze out a PB or get close to my hurdles personal best (8.12 seconds set in Loughborough earlier this year).

"They're going to be running very quick and hopefully they can bring out the best in me in the hurdles and pull me along in that event."

Ennis is also determined to produce a good display in the high jump where a fortnight ago she easily cleared a height of 1.89m. Debbie Marti's UK record stands at 1.96m.

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Lisa Dobriskey and Jenny Meadows, who grabbed the world 1,500m and 800m silver and bronze medals in Berlin last August, are also included in the side for the match against Germany, Sweden, the United States and a Commonwealth Select contingent.

York's Richard Buck makes his return from injury in the 400m.

The Great Britain representative said: "My focus isn't the indoor season this year. However, training seems to be going well, and I will be racing the full indoor season so I'll be hoping for some quick times and good results.

"I think that GB are in with a good chance to win in Glasgow. The key to success will be a team effort, home crowd advantage, and the will to fight for every position.

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"These events are so close that every point counts, so even if you can't get the win, every other point is just as important to the team score."

Dearneside pole vaulter Luke Cutts, who competed at the World Championships in Berlin last August, represents the Commonwealth team.

Related topics:Great BritainSheffield