Friday night athletics gala with Wariner, Liu, Campbell

By Andrew James Aug 30, 2007, 6:24 GMT

Osaka, Japan - Entertainment is guaranteed on Friday night at the world athletics championships when two of the sport's biggest stars step on to the track in search of gold - American 400 metres runner Jeremy Wariner and China's 110m hurdler Liu Xiang.

The elite starters also include Jamaican sprinter Veronica Campbell, who aims to beat her American rivals again in the 200m in order to complete the first women's sprint double at the worlds in 16 years.

Russia's Tatyana Lebedeva will aim to add the triple jump crown to her long-jump title from Tuesday to become the first athlete to win two jump events at one worlds.

Prominent visitors are expected at Nagai stadium, with German chancellor Angela Merkel using the occasion of her state visit to Japan to cheer on her country's top favourite Christina Obergfoell in the women's javelin.

There is also the women's 20km walk in the morning, but Wariner and Liu still stand out.

Wariner has ruled the 400m for three years with Olympic gold in 2004 and the world title in 2005.

It is all but a foregone conclusion that the Texan will defend his title on Friday, which leaves only the question how fast he can run.

There are high hopes that Wariner can attack the world record 43.18 seconds from his mentor and agent Michael Johnson, given the fast Osaka track and his recent personal best 43.50 seconds.

'My main goal is the gold,' said Wariner, adding that Johnson was fully aware that his record will fall one day 'and he hopes it will be me.'

Wariner was able to conserve plenty of energy in the first rounds, and with Angelo Taylor and LaShawn Merritt also looking good, a US sweep appears 'very possible,' according to Taylor.

Liu has the hurdles world record at 12.88 seconds but the world title is still missing in the collection he started with an Olympic gold in 2004.

That title made him an instant icon in China. Victory on Friday would further enhance that and underline his role as favourite for the home Olympics in Beijing next year.

'I have no special expectations for this one. I am just going to do my best,' he said.

Liu was stunned in the 2005 final by Frenchman Ladji Doucoure, who himself barely qualified for the semis in Osaka on Wednesday. The 110m hurdles are arguably one of the most unpredictable and difficult event, with any mistake costly.

Key rivals include Terrence Trammell of the US, who finally wants a title after having to settle for second at the last two Olympics and the 2001 worlds.

Campbell won a photo-finish against Lauryn Williams for the 100m gold on Monday and hopes to beat the Americans led by defending champion Allyson Felix again on Friday in the 200m.

The last sprinter to double was German Katrin Krabbe 1991 in Tokyo. Kelli While of the US won the 100m and 200m 2003 in Paris, but was disqualified a few days later for doping.

'I am tired, but by the final I will be OK,' said the 200m Olympic champion Campbell during the early rounds.

The US team also features Sanya Richards, the dominant 400m runner for the past 18 months who failed to qualify for that event and now seeks at least a medal in the 200m.

'It is really hard to watch the 400m, its depressing, but the 200m is exciting and I am motivated.'