David Oliver to make hurdles world record bid in Monaco

(BBC)American David Oliver is planning another attack on the 110m hurdles world record at today’s Diamond League meeting in Monaco.

The 28-year-old was just 0.02 seconds shy of Dayron Robles’ mark of 12.87 in Paris last week.

“I am in a great groove right now,” Oliver wrote on his blog.

“When you are in a groove, whether it’s a good one or a bad one, it is hard to get out of it. Whatever groove I’m in, I hope I never come out of it.”

Oliver’s run in Paris was an American record, the fastest time in the world this year, and the third fastest ever.

However, he will be without serious competition in Monaco after Robles pulled out with the leg injury which also prevented him from competing in Paris.

Oliver and Robles could go head-to-head in Crystal Palace on 14 August.

Sprinter Walter Dix has also withdrawn, meaning Tyson Gay will be unable to avenge the defeat by his fellow American over 200m at the Prefontaine Classic.

Jamaican 100m rivals Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt will also be missing.

Britain’s athletes are at the UK holding camp in Portugal ahead of the European Championships, which begin in Barcelona on Tuesday.