Return clash at QE II

Kiwi runner Nick Willis will look to put behind him the disappointment of having to pull out of last year's feature mile at the international track meet when he lines up for this year's 800-metre event at QE II Stadium in Christchurch next Thursday.

Willis had to withdraw from the race just a few days out with a hip injury.

Last year's feature was taken out by Australian Jeff Riseley in a track record time. Last week Riseley and Willis competed against each other in the Melbourne track classic over 1500m.

After dictating the pace, Willis was out-kicked by Riseley and fellow Australian Jeremy Roff, crossing the line third.

The 800m is being touted as one of the best fields drawn in New Zealand for the last decade. As well as Willis, Riseley and Roff the lineup includes four-times Australian champion Nick Bromley, and Irish 800m-1500m champion David Campbell.

- © Fairfax NZ News