Athletics: Power's kick too strong for Willis

By MURRAY McKINNON

Nick Willis lacked the sting to out-kick Australian Mike Power in the international mile during the interval in the New Zealand-Pakistan one-dayer at Eden Park.

Willis looked to have the measure of Power with 100m remaining, but Power had the kick that counted, crossing the finish in 4m 11.8s, with Willis timed at 4m 12.1s.

"I just didn't have the speed. I have been training for 16 days and I thought if I was in the top three I was in good shape," the 20-year-old Willis said.

"Mike is a good runner and to lose to a guy of that calibre is OK, I am not disappointed."

Willis said it was a good opportunity to run in New Zealand before returning yesterday to continue his studies at the University of Michigan.

"It was a great atmosphere, tremendous crowd and I was happy to do my best."

Simon Harvey, 1998 New Zealand 800m champion, set a solid pace, taking national 1500m champion Paul Hamblyn through the quarter in 60s and the half in 2m 4s, before pulling out.

Willis and Power gathered in Hamblyn on the final lap and Power went on for victory.

"Nick made a big move down the back straight, but I felt good and was pretty comfortable for the last 50s," Power, 27, said.

Hamblyn was third in 4m 12.4s and Australian Clint Perrott fourth.