Obikwelu: No time to party

The Portuguese is bidding to become the first man to win the sprint double at the championships since 1978 and had little time to celebrate his success in the 100 on Tuesday after clocking 9.99 seconds -- the fastest time in Europe this year.

"There is really no time for me to enjoy my victory," said Obikwelu. "I am going to go home and put on some ice. Then I have to get ready for the 200 heats tomorrow."

In the 200 metres at the 2002 championships in Munich Obikwelu was beaten into second place by Greek Kostas Kenteris, who is presently suspended for missing drugs tests.

In the women's pole vault, world and Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva begins her battle for the one title to eluded her in a brilliant career.

Four years ago the 24-year-old, who has 19 world records to her name, finished second behind compatriot Svetlana Feofanova.

Another athlete yet to triumph in the European championships is three-times Olympic and world champion Jan Zelezny, who will make one last bid for the men s javelin title.

The 40-year-old Czech is considered the greatest javelin thrower in history but has only managed a bronze at the European championships, which came in Helsinki back in 1994.

In the high jump final, Olympic champion Stefan Holm will be hoping to delight his home crowd by going one step further than he did in Munich when he won the silver.