Ennis expects tough challenge in Doha

GLASGOW, Scotland, January 29, 2010 – Jessica Ennis is not expecting an easy ride from her rivals in her bid for pentathlon gold at the World Indoor Championships in Doha.

The world heptathlon champion from last year has been buoyed by her blistering start to the indoor season, having achieved personal bests in the 60 metres, 60m hurdles, long jump and shot put. But despite her superiority in Berlin last August, when she won the multi-event world title by a healthy 238 points, Ennis is refusing to take anything for granted against what will be a world class field in Qatar.

Ennis said: “I cannot live on that memory forever so I’ve got to kind of move forward on that and focus on this year.”

She added: “It will be tough and although I’m going into it as world (outdoor) champion, it’s still obviously a new year and you start again.

“It will be nice to be pushed a bit – but not too much.”

After a superb start to 2010, Ennis is hoping to produce even better displays in the 60m hurdles and high jump at the Aviva International Match in Glasgow this afternoon.

The 24-year-old British team captain faces testing opposition in both events, particularly from reigning world indoor hurdles champion Lolo Jones and her fellow American, Chaunte Howard, the former world high jump silver medallist.

Ennis is curtailing her public appearances as she focuses on the competition in Doha.

She added: “There has been loads more media interest and people want me to do a lot of things, go to schools and all sorts of things like that. So it’s just about managing time really.

“It’s nice to do lots of things but in January, February and March I’m just focusing on what I’m doing, really concentrating on competing, and not spending my days travelling around the country and doing other commitments and stuff.”