Pavey sets world mark

Pavey is enjoying an injury-free year

Jo Pavey continued her excellent comeback from injury by becoming the fastest woman to run 3,000m this season.

The Exeter Harrier clocked eight minutes, 41.89 seconds to claim victory in the Meeting du Nord in Lille on Sunday.

Pavey, who has battled back from serious knee problems, overtook Kenya's Isabella Ochichi on the final lap.

The 29-year-old's time was ten seconds short of her personal best, set last year, but beat Elvan Abeylegesse's 2003 mark of 8 mins 42.29 secs.

Pavey's win is added to her other impressive performances this season in cross country and road races.

I'm sure with more races I will get my time down to world class

Jason Gardener

The Devon-based athlete aims to qualify for August's World Athletics Championships in Paris, where she is expected to contest the 5,000m.

Darren Campbell was out of luck in the 100m at the same meeting, finishing down in fifth place with a time of 10.35 secs.

Sprinter Jason Gardener found his outdoor form by coasting to victory in the 100m at the EAA Dortmund International meeting.

The 27-year-old grabbed first spot in 10.23 seconds, ahead of Ukrania's Konstantin Rurak and Germany's Marc Blume.

Gardener was glad to put Thursday night's disappointment behind him after he limped home in seventh spot in the Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava.

Lewis-Francis triumphs

"At least it's an improvement on the other night," the World Indoor 60m bronze medallist said.

"I'm sure with more races I will get my time down to world class."