CHRISTIAN Malcolm announced his return to form in spectacular fashion yesterday, recording his fastest time in four years on the way to winning the 200m in the European Cup.

Competing in Florence, Malcolm started well and after coming off the bend level with Tobias Unger of Germany he blew him away in the final 60m to claim an impressive victory.

The last time the Newport sprinter ran so fast was in Edmonton 2001 where his 20.08 in the World Championships showed his true ability.

In the heated Florence venue, the 20.15 run gave him one of the fastest times in the world this year and a chance to put previous seasons behind him.

"I knew I was in good shape and the conditions were brilliant for the race," he recalled.

"But I didn't think I would run so quick - it's a great feeling. All in all it has been a great weekend for me in the guest 100m, relay and 200m - but unfortunately not for the team."

It capped a perfect weekend for Malcolm, who was also part of GB's victorious 4x100m relay team. But despite the Welshman's efforts GB were still relegated along with Czechoslovakia after finishing seventh out of the eight teams