Christie decides to run next year

LINFORD CHRISTIE last night got a standing ovation from an 11,000 Gateshead crowd for his farewell appearance in a British vest.

Then he dramatically announced he would run for his country again next summer in the European Cup in Munich as a favour to his doctor.

The 36-year-old sprinter broke the news to team coach Malcolm Arnold before Britain's match against an International Select team.

Christie, who ran the 200 metres but pulled out of a 100m clash with new Olympic champion Donovan Bailey because of a twisted knee, has been treated by specialist Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt for the last four years.

He said: "I told Malcolm today I will do the European Cup as a favour to my doctor because it is in Munich. But that will be it won't be doing anything else."

Christie's 64th appearance for Britain had been billed all along as his last for the team he first represented in 1980.

Throughout the Olympics, where he lost the 100m title through two false starts, he had insisted this would be his swansong.

Asked whether he would return for the 1997 World Championship season, he maintained: "Not a chance - not a chance in hell."

Now, after this change of heart, many will wonder whether in fact Christie will go for one final championship bid in Athens.

Christie's European Cup 100m victory in Madrid in June was a record seventh successive triumph in the competition. He also has four 200m victories to his credit.

Last night he planned to run both distances but hurt his knee running round the bend of the longer distance when finishing second to team-mate John Regis.

After treatment, he made way for Darren Braithwaite, who finished third behind Bailey (10.19 seconds) and 21-year-old Scot Ian Mackie.

The events surrounding Christie completely overshadowed the match - even a triple jump victory in front of his home crowd by Olympic silver medallist Jonathan Edwards.

For the second time in a week, Edwards mastered the man who denied him gold in Atlanta - American Kenny Harrison who this time provided poor opposition, finishing third with 16.60 metres as Edwards romped home with 17.38.

There was also an impressive 400m victory for double silver medallist Roger Black, who ran away from American Derek Mills and relay team-mate Mark Richardson in 44.64secs.

Throwing javelins not baseballs remains the top priority for Olympic champion Jan Zelezny, although he will attend the Atlanta Braves spring training in Florida next year.

At a recent workout with the Braves, he threw the ball over 100 metres across the length of the field and into the stands.

Zelezny said yesterday: "The man who was catching the ball shook my hand afterwards and said it was good. I am glad I tried it .. . but to do it properly would take a lot of time."