Colin Jackson flashed a warning signal across the Atlantic that he's ready to add an Olympic hurdles gold to his medal collection as he opened his season with a winning time of 13.26 seconds at the Welsh Games.
It was virtually a solo run for the Welsh hero, who doubled as meeting promoter for the day - and he finished inside the time set by the cream of America in last weekend's special Grand Prix event at Atlanta.
Mark Crear led the top Americans home in 13.29 seconds in ideal conditions, and on one of the fastest tracks in the world. But Jackson was more than their equal at blustery Cardiff Athletic Stadium.
'That's my platform for the season. Last year I was struggling to do those times midway through the summer,' said the local hero. 'It was good for me to go out and have a fair run like that.'
Linford Christie ran into a bit of trouble with training partner Owuso Dako in the Invitation 150 metres.
Christie was first out of the blocks and seemed to have the race won 50 metres out, but Dako hit back and both men crossed the line together.
In the end the photo-finish team gave both runners the same finishing time 15.50secs, but the Olympic 100-metre champion got the nod for first place.
