Miller breaks NZ record at World University Games

Miller breaks New Zealand record at 24th World University Games in Bangkok

The second New Zealand record of the 24th World University Games was broken today by 100m Hurdler Andrea Miller from Otago who came seventh in the final clocking a time of 13.20s.

Miller broke her own record by 0.09s saying it was a major step towards qualifying for the Beijing Olympics next year.

"I was really pleased with how this meet went. I had two goals coming here - to make the final and break the New Zealand record - and I did both."

The success came despite Miller being unwell and unable to compete in Europe prior to arriving in Bangkok.

Miller's next goal is to run 12.96s during next year's New Zealand and Australian track and field season which would qualify her for the Olympics in August 2008.

Elizabeth Coster was the sole New Zealand swimmer who qualified for an A final today. Coster finished sixth in the final of the 50m backstroke swimming a personal best of 29.28s.

The New Zealand Emerging Tall Blacks are through to the next round having beaten Thailand this morning by 35 points (108-73). In doing so, they finished second in the pool behind Canada.

The Australians were defeated 74-62 by Israel this afternoon, which puts New Zealand up against Israel and South Korea in the second pool phase.

Coming up tomorrow in the pool is Helen Norfolk in the 400m Freestyle, Glenn Snyders in the 100m Breaststroke and Cameron Gibson and Corney Swanepoel in the 100m Freestyle.

The women's football team will play their final preliminary game against Russia, needing to win to stand a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Fencer Andreas Sesun will compete in the men's individual epee looking to improve on his 61st placing at the 2005 World University Games in Turkey. Fencing is traditionally one of the most competitive sports at the Games with several Olympic medallists competing in Bangkok.

With over 10,300 competitors and officials from 170 nations competing in 17 sports, the World University Games are the second largest global multi-sports event after the Summer Olympics.

Sport New Zealand receives funding from government agency SPARC and NZCT towards the costs of sending the New Zealand team to the World University Games. The team is also sponsored by Crocs.

To see a selection of photos from the day's events go to www.flickr.com/photos/worldunigames . If you would like a unique shot, then please let me know.

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