Macey slips back in decathlon

Dean Macey still second after the 110m hurdles

Britain's Dean Macey has returned to action in the decathlon at a rain-soaked Sydney but now lies third after Thursday's first two events.

Macey ran 14.53 seconds in the 110m hurdles and then threw a respectable 43.37m in the discus to continue his solid form.

But the former Canvey Island lifeguard still lost ground as overnight leader Chris Huffins moved further ahead with significantly better performances in both disciplines.

The American heads Macey by 215 points going into the pole vault, while Roman Sebrle Roman Sebrle from the Czech Republic has leapfrogged Macey to take second.

His 44.39m in the discus following an impressive 13.91 seconds in the 110m hurdles saw him stretch 19 points in front of the Briton.

Macey could yet slip further when the likes of Erki Nooll and Tom Pappas finish their rounds in the next discus group.

Once that discipline is completed, the athletes have the chance for a quick breather before returning to a very wet Stadium Australia for the pole vault, javelin and 1500m later on Thursday.