Athletics: Willis holds out American to win Boston indoor mile

Nick Willis started his 2010 international racing season in fine style, winning the Boston Indoor Games mile for the second year in a row.

Willis rocketed around the final lap for victory in 3m 55.26s yesterday. The Beijing Olympic Games 1500m silver medallist just held out American Will Leer, who recorded 3m 55.66s. David Torrence from US was third in 3m 56.69s.

Willis said it was really exciting to win. "It's always fun crossing that tape and lifting your arms to the crowd. There were cool sections of the crowd that really pumped me up before, during and after the race. It was fun to put on a show for them," he said.

Willis planned to be aggressive from the start but he did not get away cleanly over the first 50 metres.

"I was hoping to get in behind the rabbits but other guys got there, in some ways I took the easier route," said Willis.

"But the goal is to be a bit more confident and tough. In the end I got the win and that's the most important."

Tom Osborne from New Zealand was 10th in 4m 7.44s.

Last year Willis won in 3m 53.54s. The New Zealand indoor mile record is held by Sir John Walker at 3m 52.8s, recorded twice in 1981 and 1982, both in San Diego.

Willis' next race will be at the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix in England on February 20.