• European Athletics Championships

Malcolm powers into semi-finals

ESPN staff
July 29, 2010
Christian Malcolm won his heat in a time of 20.63 © Getty Images
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Christian Malcolm rolled back the years as he eased into the semi-finals of the men's 200 metres at the European Athletics Championships in Barcelona.

The 31-year-old won the opening heat in a time of 20.63, the second fastest qualifying time, despite easing off in the later stages for a comfortable win.

Malcolm admitted he had been inspired by Mark Lewis-Francis' surprise silver medal in the 100m on Wednesday evening. Both Malcolm and Francis had their lottery funding cut last year, and Malcolm hopes he can emulate his friend.

"Me and Mark have been good friends," he said. "We struggled together this year and it's good for him to get what he deserved through hard work and hopefully I will get mine."

Malcolm will be joined in the semi-finals by fellow Brits Marlon Devonish and Jeffrey Lawal-Balogun, who clocked 20.68 and 20.93 respectively.

Christophe Lemaitre, who won gold in the 100m on Wednesday night, looked comfortable as he sealed his place in the semis with a time of 20.64.

Andy Turner cruised into the semi-finals of the men's 110 metre hurdles. Turner won his heat in a time of 13.48s, the second fastest time of the day behind Hungary's Daniel Kiss. Also through to is his team-mate William Sharman, who finished third in his heat to qualify with a time of 13.60s.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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