Malcolm's 7 up (From Stroud News and Journal)

Malcolm's 7 up

THE confident grin said it all - Christian Malcolm (pictured) was in seventh heaven after reaching the world championships 100m final which sets him up for the 200m heats tomorrow.

As American Maurice Greene added world championship gold to his Olympic crown after clocking 9.82 secs, Britain's Dwain Chambers finished sixth in a time of 9.99 secs, while Malcolm ran his 100m personal best of 10.11 and set a new Welsh record in coming seventh.

After getting a good start, the 22-year-old stayed with Greene and second placed Tim Montgomery before fading away in the last 40 metres, but having set himself the target of reaching the semi-final, he was pleased with his efforts.

Despite a succession of false starts which hampered the sprinters' mental preparation for the race, Malcolm looked relaxed and said he enjoyed the experience.

"That was the first time I have raced Maurice and I enjoyed it," he said.

"The false starts didn't get me down, it's part and parcel of running, there was a lot on the line out there and everyone is bound to be a bit edgy.

"To be honest I just enjoyed the experience, there was no pressure on me, I expected to come eighth, but I came seventh and set a personal best, so I'm very happy."

While the failure of teenager Mark Lewis-Francis to make the final after running a sensational personal best of 9.97 secs in his heat on Saturday was a shock, Malcolm said the youngster will take a valuable lesson from the experience.

He said: "Mark is disappointed, but that is understandable.

"I remember what it was like when I won the World juniors and then went to the Commonwealth Games, but didn't make the final for the 100m, I was gutted.

"You have the competitive edge and you are disappointed when you don't make the finals, but it's an apprenticeship for him and he'll learn from that over the next two years."

As for running against the world's fastest men, Malcolm added it has put him in good shape for the 200m and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

He said: "At the end of the race it was a bit hazy and I could see the Americans pulling away, but I can take the experience with me.

"I'm looking forward to the 200m, I don't feel as tired as I did the last time I doubled up at a major champs (The 1998 Commonwealth Games), which is a good sign.