Athletics: Discus duel highlight of Commonwealth qualifier

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Beatrice Faumuina and Australian Alison Leaver go head-to-head tonight in a preview of what could be one of best contests at this year's Commonwealth Games.

The women's discus promises to be one of the highlights at the NorthSport Classic at North Shore's Sovereign Stadium.

Faumuina, who will defend her Commonwealth title in Manchester, has shown good early-season form in throwing better than 63m.

Leaver topped the Commonwealth rankings last year with a 63.52m throw, suggesting there will be little between the pair.

Chantal Brunner, who has edged closer and closer to the 6.50m she needs to claim a long jump start in Manchester, has another chance tonight, but again might suffer from a lack of serious competition.

Valerie Adams is back in shot put action and doubles up by contesting the hammer, where Tasha Williams will lead New Zealand's charge against Australian Brooke Krueger, Canadians Patti Pilsner and Carla Pavan, and France's Rosemarie Vakie.

Jenni Dryburgh will push for pole vault selection and Jane Arnott should get the field she needs to make a go of the 400m.

Glenn Howard, beaten by the conditions and a lack of competition in high jump events this season, gets his best chance when he lines up against Australian Jarrod Pozzi.

Howard has cleared 2.20m three times, but has yet to get over the 2.24m he needs for selection.

The men's 800m - the last race on the 41-event programme - has drawn a good field headed by New Zealand's Mark Rogers, Nick Willis and Gareth Hyett.

The women's 800m also promises a top race. Rebecca McEnaney hopes she will be carried through to a qualifying time for the world junior championships by her Bays Cougars clubmate and New Zealand and Australian 800m champion Michelle Prowse.

They will be joined by ex-national champion Kelly Edge, of Otago, in what promises to be one of the best battles on the track.