Four eves set for historic victories at Osaka

Osaka (Japan) Aug 23: A trio of European women and an African distance runner could be on course for historic victories at the world championships beginning on Saturday.

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, Swedish heptathlete Carolina Kluft, Croatian high jumper Blanka Vlasic and Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba each could set standards never before achieved in the championships.

Their chances of success, however, could be affected by Osaka's hot and humid weather, with Isinbayeva concerned the conditions could affect her jumping.

''From my previous experience competing in Japan, I know the weather is really terrible there,'' the world record holder told Russian media.

''The humidity is 90 per cent, plus the fog. It makes pole vaulting very difficult, so we'll see what happens,'' she said when asked about the possibility of smashing her 2005 world record.

''In Osaka, my main goal is to win,'' Isinbayeva said. ''And if I have the chance, I will try to something great for the Japanese crowd.'' The holder of 20 world records, including 11 outdoors, the 25-year-old former gymnast has set world standards in each of her previous global titles. She cleared 4.91 metres to win 2004 Olympic gold and 5.01 metres, the current record for her 2005 world crown.

THREE-PEAT

The livewire Kluft hopes to become the first woman to win three heptathlon world titles.

Undefeated since 2001, the Swede has already become the first heptathlete to defend her world championship with victories in 2003 and 2005.

Croatian Vlasic will have world record on her mind in the high jump. The 23-year-old has soared a dominant 2.07 metres this season, putting her within grasp of Bulgarian Stefka Kostadinova's 2.09 metres world record, set at the 1987 world championships.

Dibaba may face the toughest task of the quartet.

The first woman to win the 5,000 and 10,000 in the same championships two years ago in Helsinki's cool conditions, the 22-year-old will try for a repeat double.

Victory in the 5,000 would make her the first woman to win the event three times.

A triumph in the 10,000 would be equally impressive. No female has defended her world title in the event.

Her biggest competition may come from her fellow countrywomen, 5,000 world record holder and Olympic champion Meseret Defar and, in the 10,000, older sister Ejegayehu Dibaba and Mestawet Tufa.

Twice 1,500 champion Tatyana Tomashova of Russia will miss Osaka with a foot injury. Compatriot Yelena Soboleva is the world leader.

Helsinki gold medallist Allyson Felix of the United States assumes the favourite's role in the 200. In the 100, American champion Lauryn Williams should receive strong competition from Olympic 200 gold medallist Veronica Campbell of Jamaica and 2003 hundred meter, world champion Torri Edwards of the United States.

Defending champion Michelle Perry of the United States ranks favourite in the 100 hurdles. The reigning 400 hurdles champion, Yuliya Pechonkina of Russia, also returns but could face a tough race from 2003 winner Jana Rawlinson of Australia.

German Franka Dietzsch will seek a third discus title, having won in 1999 and 2005. Compatriot Christina Obergfoll tops the world list in the javelin.

Reuters>