Published>Thu, Jul 29 10 03:18 AM
Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre blazed to 100 metres gold at the European championships in 10.11 seconds as the next four athletes clocked the same time in a photo finish on Wednesday.
Lemaitre set off on his lap of honour wearing a cowboy hat and carrying the French flag while the others looked up at the big screen as officials decided the minor medals after running the same time of 10.18 seconds.
Britain's Mark Lewis-Francis, coached by Barcelona Olympic champion Linford Christie, took a surprise silver and Frenchman Martial Mbandjock the bronze.
Portugal's European record holder and 2006 champion Francis Obikwelu was fourth and pre-race favourite Dwain Chambers of Britain fifth.
"I didn't have a good start in the final but picked up very well on my speed," said Lemaitre, the fastest man in Europe this year after setting a national record of 9.98 this month.
"It was a brilliant final and I'm very happy tonight."
Lemaitre was the crowd favourite on a balmy evening at the Olympic stadium.
The 20-year-old received a loud cheer from spectators that defied the fact the arena was half-empty for the expected showdown with Chambers, who beat Lemaitre last month.
A hush fell in preparation for the gun and when it went off, Chambers and compatriot Lewis-Francis were quickest from the blocks.
But Lemaitre kept his cool and recovered from the slow start to power through at 60 metres.
"I did the best I could but I just wasn't good enough on the night," said Chambers, who was stripped of the 2002 European title after admitting to doping.
"You just have to take it with a smile in sport, you win some you lose some, the 32-year-old told reporters.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm disappointed but what can you do? I'm just grateful for the chance to be here.
Former champion Obikwelu was generous in his praise of the man who had succeeded him.
"Sometimes it's good to have a new champion," the Portuguese said. "He's young, he's talented and is going to get far."
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