Athletics: Learmonth streets ahead in National Open 800m win

Scottish champion Guy Learmonth, from Lasswade, began his 2011 campaign by winning the 800 metres in 1:51.29 with virtually a solo run at the inaugural National Open in Glasgow's Kelvin Hall.

Still only 18, Loughborough student Learmonth said: "I'm pleased with that - I was smooth and controlled and finished the last 200m strongly." He will now hope he will feature in the Scottish team for next weekend's Celtic Nations International in Cardiff. Another Loughborough student, former New Year Sprint winner Pat Swan (Edinburgh AC) may not be so lucky, being pipped by Glasgow's David Martin in the 400m in 48.21 seconds. "I'm disappointed but it's early days yet and I need some more races," said Swan after his time of 48.68. Capital student Allan Hamilton (EAC) pushed his personal best out to 7.11m in winning the long jump and was also second in the 60m in 7.15sec, with clubmate Tom Holligan in 7.17sec.

Stacey Downie (Pitreavie) took the women's 60m in 7.80sec