Commonwealth Games: Rudisha looks for gains in Monte Carlo tune-up

David Rudisha. Photo / AP

Peerless Kenyan runner David Rudisha is expecting further improvement when he rounds out his Commonwealth Games preparation in Monte Carlo today.

After producing the greatest performance of the 2012 London Olympics, when he smashed his own 800m world record with a time of 1m 40.91s in the final without the aid of a pacemaker, Rudisha's 2013 season was ruined by a knee injury.

But the 25-year-old showed he was back to near his best with victory in last weekend's Diamond League meet in Glasgow in 1m 43.34s - the fastest time in the world this year.

"I'm expecting to improve from there, my main objective is to keep on improving every time although this year I'm not expecting a lot because sometimes it's good to also be realistic," Rudisha said.

"I'm coming back from the injury and I'm looking for good times - probably closing the season with 1m 42s would be a good achievement."

The stacked field also includes world champion Mohammed Aman from Ethiopia, Olympic silver medallist Nijel Amos from Botswana and rising Australian star Alex Rowe.

But Rudisha could well be upstaged by countryman and close friend Asbel Kiprop, who is set for a serious crack at Hicham El Guerrouj's 16-year-old 1500m world record.

The 2008 Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion has run his fastest times over 800m and 1500m in the principality.

Unlike Rudisha, Kiprop won't be competing at the Commonwealth Games as he did not contest the selection trials.

- AAP