Russia has not won this event since Lyudmila Galkina triumphed in Athens a decade ago, but with the top three athletes in the world the nation is optimistic of ending the drought.

European champion Lyudmila Kolchanova may only have competed twice this season, but with impressive winning leaps of 7.21m and 7.17m many believe she is the woman to beat.

Olympic champion Tatyana Lebedeva boasts an unbeaten record this year and with a best leap of 7.15m she, too, will be a feared opponent. The Russian challenge is also bolstered by the world No3 Irina Simigina. She has competed sparingly this season but boasts an impressive season’s best of 7.11m.

The only other athlete to have breached the seven-metre barrier this season is Portugal’s two-time European indoor long jump champion Naide Gomes. The former World Indoor pentathlon champion now specialises in the long jump and with a 7.01m leap behind her she is another to be respected.

Brazil will be optimistic of a strong challenge with Maurren Maggi (6.94m) and Keila Costa (6.88m). Maggi, the South American record holder, is a former World Indoor bronze medallist while the younger Costa has emerged as a world class jumper this year.

Tianna Madison was a surprise winner of the World title in Helsinki two years ago with a leap of 6.89m, but this season her best stands at a modest 6.60m and she finished down in fifth at the US championships.

German Bianca Kappler has made a big breakthrough this season, setting a new personal best in of 6.90m, and 2003 World champion Eunice Barber of France – who’s taking a break from heptathlon – will also be a medal threat.

Osaka 2007 News Team/sl