Captain smiles better

AS the valedictory confetti fell from overhead, Jessica Ennis beamed the 1000-watt smile that has become as much of a trademark as her performances on track and field.

Captaining Great Britain to overall victory in the Aviva International in Glasgow yesterday may pale in comparison with the accomplishment of securing the world heptathlon crown in Berlin last year or the promise of what might unfold in London in 2012, yet there were significant strides made and markers laid down.

Ennis made good on her claims that she has laboured during the winter to improve her bests in every event by setting a new British record in the 60 metres hurdles of 7.95 seconds, taking victory ahead of world indoor champion Lolo Jones in a time that was the fastest in the world this year.

While she came second, on countback, in the high jump to Chaunte Howard of the USA, she again raised her personal bar to 1.94 metres. Further, faster, stronger, the potential remains tantalising and unfulfilled.

"There's always a bit of a worry when you do so well and you have to keep maintaining that standard, so to come out this strong at the beginning of the year was really good," she stated.

Immediately on her horizons is the world indoor pentathlon prize in Doha in March. "I'm tired now," she giggled. "I don't know how I can fit another three events in. I feel in really good shape. It's about staying healthy and carrying on my preparation for Doha. And going out there and doing it."

Craig Pickering's fourth consecutive 60 metres victory at this event secured the team prize from the very last event, Team GB finishing three points clear of the USA, with Germany coming third.

Jenny Meadows too has profited from climbing on to the podium in Berlin last August. Her bronze in the 800 metres underscored her steady ascent but the increase in expectation that comes with success has been matched by a greater self-assurance. Here, the Wigan-born athlete's only disappointment was that she was not pushed harder in earning a simple win.

"I enjoyed it and controlled it and it's good to get the first race out of the way," she said.

World silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey faded to second in the 1500 metres as the USA's Heidi Dahl surged on the final lap. "I'm disappointed," she said. "I didn't really feel myself."

There was a notable scalp for Britain's Leon Baptiste who punished a sub-par showing from 2004 Olympic 200 metres champion Shawn Crawford. "I was quietly confident about the race, I'm in really good shape, and it was a great race with a fantastic atmosphere," said the Londoner.

Running as a guest, Scotland's Chris Baillie was fifth in the sprint hurdles, won by the USA's David Oliver. Lothian RC's Sarah Inglis, a last-minute call-up for the Commonwealth team, was a distant fifth in the 3000 metres behind winner Helen Clitheroe but ran a personal best of 9:48.49. Improbably, she may still run in today's Scottish cross-country championships.