Auckland thrower Beatrice Faumuina continues to make strides towards a fourth Commonwealth Games medal after posting her third qualifying throw of the season.

The gold medallist from the 1998 Kuala Lumpur and 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games wasted no time getting into her stride at Newtown Park in Wellington last night.

Faumuina's biggest throw of 61.11m passed the qualifying mark for October's New Delhi Commonwealth Games. The 35-year-old had not passed 60m since the national championships in March.

It was her best throw of the summer after showing strong form at Mt Smart Stadium last month.

With blustery winds and cold temperatures compared to her Auckland home, Faumuina made the best of the conditions.

"I was very pleased, after I had a bit of a shaky start," she said. "It was freezing tonight, so it's nice to come out and consolidate on what I did in December."

The world champion from the 1997 Athens championships wants more throws over the games qualifying mark of 56m.

Faumuina's series of throws at the Capital Classic following the first no throw were 59.89m, 61.11m, 60.98m and 59.89m.

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Olympian Nick Willis claimed his first national 3000 metres title at the Capital Classic last night but had to overcome a dogged challenge from local 21-year-old Hamish Carson.

Willis clocked 8min 15.12sec as he farewelled the capital in style before his next assault on the world stage.

Carson, coached by John Walker's coach Arch Jelley, sprinted with Willis in the straight, finishing just 0.6sec back as the experienced Olympian prevailed.

Willis said Carson gave him a huge fright.

"He was right on my heels. I took off with 200m to go and I felt really good doing it," Willis said.

"Then the crowd started cheering and I thought this kid must be right on me."

Willis leaves New Zealand tomorrow ahead of the Boston Indoor Games on February 6, and the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix a fortnight later where he will meet the best Ethiopian and Kenyan runners.

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