Matt looks for fast start to games year

MATT Davies sprinted his way to the World Athletics Championships last year.

Tomorrow he can sprint his name into the record books should he overcome a powerful field and clinch back-to-back Gold Coast Gifts.

A member of the Australian 4x100m relay squad at the Berlin world championships, Davies was granted a wildcard into tomorrow's event and his battle with fellow Commonwealth Games hopeful Aaron Stubbs promises to be a mouth-watering affair.

Davies finished third in last year's Stawell Gift, behind champion Stubbs, but that will count for little when they step back out on to the grass today.

"It's a harder ask this year but I'll be there giving it a crack," said Davies.

Along with the World Championships and his strong effort at Stawell, Davies ran strongly for the Aussies at the Great North City Games, a challenge against great rivals England.

He took third in the 60m street race, a feat he matched in the 150m event at the same meet.

While emulating his 2009 season is going to be tough, should Davies earn a place at the Commonwealth Games in his pet 100m and 200m events it would be one of his greatest honours, he said yesterday.

"I had a ripper year last year, it's hard to match but since I got back from world champs we have addressed a few things," said Davies.

"I feel like I've got a bit more speed and I feel like I have a few more metres in me.

"Obviously I want to back it up and make the relay team again, but if I can make a berth in both the 100m and 200m that would be awesome.

"The Commonwealth Games is always a pretty special thing for Australians and there are a lot of young guys coming through so it's going to be pretty competitive to get back in the team."

While Davies and Stubbs will start favourites, a number of other runners should not be forgotten.

Bundaberg's Michael Gordon, third in the Coomera New Years Eve Gift, should feature in the final along with 2008 victor, Canberra's John Jakeman and Shane Ezard.

In the women's field, Brisbane's leading hurdler Virginia Trad and promising Rockhampton runner Sarah Busby head the field.

Ashmore's Nicole Dart, and beach sprinters Teniele Richards, Emma Rynne, Michele Shields and veteran Cate Donaldson head the Gold Coast contingent.