Record number of dope tests scheduled for Osaka

LONDON, Aug 3 (Reuters) A record 1,000 dope tests will be conducted at the world athletics championships in Osaka, Japan, between August 25 and September 2.

In a statement on its Web site (www.iaaf.org) today the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said the previous highest number of tests had been 885 at the 2005 Helsinki championships.

The IAAF has also conducted 1,000 out-of-competition tests so far this year.

We will not tell the athletes what tests we will conduct, nor when,'' IAAF president Lamine Diack said in the statement.

''However anyone considering cheating should be aware we will use every available method to catch them and that should we choose to do so, we can store their samples for testing at a later date.'' REUTERS TB VV1832