ENNIS READY FOR CHERNOVA

Jessica Ennis will face world heptathlon champion Tatyana Chernova in what will be the most hotly-contested clash of the World Indoor Championships.


Reigning champion Ennis, who was lost her outdoor title to Chernova in Daegu last summer, has said whoever claims gold this weekend will have a "massive psychological boost" ahead of the London Olympics.

Russian Chernova finished third in Doha two years ago but after dethroning Ennis at last year's World Championships another gripping clash is on the cards.

After an impressive start to her 2012 season, Ennis said: "I'm definitely looking forward to it.

"The last time I competed against her was in Daegu, so I'm definitely looking forward to that head-to-head again.

"It's going to be a massive psychological boost for anyone that does well.

"Looking at everyone's performances, the way they're performing around the world at the moment, everyone's on top form, so to come away with this, whether it's a personal best or a win and a medal, that's definitely going to give you a boost going forward for the rest of the year."

In terms of scoring over the five pentathlon events, Ennis has an 82-point advantage over the Russian in personal bests, and Irina Belova's 20-year-old world record could well be under threat.

"Given my shape and the shape the other girls are in, it's going to take a PB to get it but it's something any one of us could achieve," Ennis said.

When asked whether she would like to break Belova's mark of 4,991 she said: "It's not something I'm focusing on, but it would be a nice bonus.

Chernova however warned that while the clash with Ennis was inevitable, there is a strong field beyond the two favourites.

"It's nice for me and good for this competition to see such a high standard. It should be very interesting," said the 23-year-old.

"But you can't forget about the other girls: Natalya Dobrynska (Ukraine's reigning Olympic heptathlon champion) and Ekaterina Bolshova (of Russia, the world leader with a best of 4,896).

"The winner will be the strongest."

The former world youth and world junior champion also played down fears that she might be blown away in London later this year by the support shown to Sheffield-born Ennis.

"My father, my mother and my coach will be there. They believe in me," said Chernova.