Ennis leaps to early heptathlon lead

MELBOURNE, Mar 21 (Reuters) England's Jessica Ennis leapt to an early lead in the women's heptathlon at the Commonwealth Games today with a career-best high jump.

Ennis, the European junior champion, led the seven-discipline heptathlon after two events on 2,196 points, 74 clear of compatriot Kelly Sotherton.

Canadian Jessica Zelinka led after the first event, winning the 110m hurdles in 13.08 seconds.

But Ennis, 20, soon overtook her when she leapt a personal best of 1.91m in the high jump, Zelinka slipping back to third with a leap of 1.76m.

''It's brilliant. I did a massive PB,'' said Ennis, who later failed in three attempts at 1.94m.

Englishman Dean Macey was also well-placed in the decathlon after eight disciplines. Macey, fourth at the Sydney and Athens Olympics, cleared 4.70m in the pole vault to lead on 6,734 points with the javelin and 1,500m to come later on Tuesday.

Jamaican Maurice Smith was second on 6,588, just three points clear of Australian Jason Dudley.

South African Alwyn Myburgh qualified fastest for the men's 400m hurdles semi-finals with a time of 49.34.

Welshman Rhys Williams recorded his best time of 49.52 in winning the second heat ahead of England's Chris Rawlinson, who won the event in Manchester four years ago.

Jamaican Maurice Wignall, winner of the bronze medal in Manchester, was the fastest qualifier for the men's 110m hurdles in 13.34. Scotland's Chris Baillie ran his best time to finish second fastest in 13.44.

Canada's Jason Tunks led the men's discus qualifying with a strong throw of 64.07, almost four metres clear of Australian Scott Martin and Dariusz Slowick of Canada.

Botswana's Gable Garenamotse, a silver medallist in Manchester, jumped 8.15m to lead the men's long jump qualifying from South African Fosu Amoah and Australian Fabrice Lapierre.

Welsh runner Christian Malcolm was forced out of the 200m with a torn hamstring suffered during the heats of the 100m on Monday, team officials said.

Malcolm suffered kidney failure in the lead-up to the Athens Olympics but was still reached the 200m semi-finals.

REUTERS PM VC1035