Isinbayeva takes centre stage in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva takes centre stage at the world championships tomorrow, promising something special for the Japanese crowd.

The world record holder is the hottest of favourites for gold, fears none of her rivals, and providing the weather suits is planning a party.

''My main goal is to win,'' Isinbayeva said before the championships. ''And if I have the chance, I will try to (provide) something great for the Japanese crowd.'' Brimming with confidence, she says there are no human barriers to her success.

''I know if I do my best, it is impossible for somebody to beat me,'' the Olympic and world champion said.

''There's no chance for anybody. Sorry, it's like this.

''I don't care about my rivals,'' she said. ''More important and more dangerous is myself.'' She does recognise, though, that the weather can be a factor.

''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.

On the track, men's newly crowned 100m champion Tyson Gay begins his quest for the sprint double in the 200m with two rounds of qualifying heats.

The United States are hoping for a one-two finish in the 400m hurdles while back on the field Lithuanian Virgilijus Alekna goes for his third discus title.

Reuters BJR GC2107