Jackson chases more medals

David Bond, Deputy Political Editor @djbond6873

13 April 2012

Colin Jackson looks set to put off his retirement yet again even if he successfully claims his third Commonwealth title in the final of the 110 metres hurdles.

The 35-year-old Welshman was expected to bring the curtain down on a glorious career, which has seen him win two world titles and smash the world record, in Manchester tonight.

But Standard Sport understands he will compete in next week's European Championships and is preparing to go for gold in the 60m hurdles at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham next March.

Jackson booked his place in tonight's final with an impressive display in last night's semi-finals, clocking 13.34 seconds, the fastest qualifying time of the night.

South Africa's Shaun Bownes is likely to be his closest challenger. He booked his place in the final with a time of 13.48secs.

Jackson's old friend and rival Tony Jarrett will be up there too having qualified in a time of 13.65secs.

Jackson said that, despite being the favourite, victory was not a foregone conclusion.

"You can never be too confident," he said. "There are 10 hurdles and it only takes one mistake to blow it."

And Jarrett, the man who finally grabbed gold when his career-long nemesis skipped the Games in Kuala Lumpur four years ago, insists he will not give up the title without a fight.