DAEGU, South Korea (AP) — Tatyana Chernova took a commanding lead over defending heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis into the final event of the world championships on Tuesday.
Chernova stepped up in the javelin, where the Russian’s season best of 52.95 meters contrasted sharply with Ennis’ sub-par performance of 39.95.
It left the Russian with a total of 5,887 points, compared to 5,754 for Ennis. The two should be even in the concluding 800, making the Russian the favorite to take the title.
Jennifer Oeser of Germany was in bronze medal position with 5,613 points, holding a two-point edge over Hyleas Fountain of the United States.
Ennis had held a 151-point lead over Chernova after the first four events on Monday.
