 A drenched Ennis was pleased with her display given the heavy rain |
Jessica Ennis won the prestigious Hypomeeting heptathlon title in Austria and only just failed to beat Denise Lewis's British record in poor weather. The world champion held off a strong challenge from Russian Tatyana Chernova to win with 6,689 points. Ennis ended 142 points behind Lewis' 10-year old mark of 6,831 points. "I knew it would be difficult because the weather was horrible, but I went out there trying to perform to the best of my ability," said Ennis. "I was a little disappointed, particularly with the long jump and the javelin, but all in all with the weather being so bad, I was quite happy.  | 606: DEBATE |
"Today's been difficult, but it felt quite comfortable - I just wish we'd had nicer conditions." Ennis could only manage a leap of 6.13m in the long jump and 43.10m in the javelin, although the latter was close to her season's best. The 24-year-old knows she may have to break the record to win the European Championship gold medal in Barcelona in the summer. She is now planning to compete in some single events at major meetings and also a mini multi-event at the IAAF Diamond League in New York next month. "This was my best ever start to the season and I'm certain by the time the Europeans come around I will be in better shape," said Ennis. "OK, I didn't break the British record here but the awful weather didn't help at all. Given it will be very hot in Barcelona and the track is fast, I'm hopeful I might do it there. "The last two days have been hard but I always felt comfortable with how I performed. I'm feeling in great shape." British team-mates Louise Hazel and Phyllis Agbo had mixed fortunes. The former placed 17th overall while the latter, after failing to register a clearance in the long jump, withdrew after the javelin throw.
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