Macey surges into fourth

DECATHLON STANDINGS (after five events) 1. Dmitriy Karpov (Kaz) 4594 pts 2. Roman Sebrle (Cze) 4594 3. Brian Clay (US) 4554 4. Dean Macey (GB) 4454 5. Tom Pappas (USA) 4415 6. Claston Bernard (Jam) 4408 7. Chiel Warners (Ned) 4387

Dean Macey enjoyed a fine first day in the decathlon and is in fourth place after five events on 4454 points.

The Briton was seventh after the morning, running 10.89 seconds in the 100m, jumping 7.47m in the long jump and posting 15.73m in the shot put.

Later, Macey equalled his personal best of 2.15m in the high jump and ran a gutsy 48.97 seconds in the 400m.

"If I get a bit of luck and someone mucks up somewhere I might be able to get a medal," said Macey.

Dmitriy Karpov of Kazakhstan leads with 4689 points, with the Czech Republic's Roman Sebrle (4594) second and America's Brian Clay (4554) third.

Macey has been plagued by injury since winning bronze at the world championships in 2001 and only made the 'B' qualifying standard last month.

The 26-year-old Essex man was fourth at the Sydney Games, where he was again carrying injuries.

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"It's a good position. I've got 100 more points than I expected," he said.

"I'm not ready for an Olympic Games, I'm in no shape to win it, but if it didn't hurt I wouldn't be doing my job properly.

"My hurdles are going to be poor tomorrow but if I'm on the line I'm dangerous.

"I'm just pleased to be here. I never thought you'd get any better than Sydney but the crowd's awesome and I say a massive thank you to them."

World champion Tom Pappas of America is fifth while Estonia's Erki Nool, the defending Olympic champion, is way back in 13th place.

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