Richardson returns to form

Mark Richardson celebrated his return to individual 400-metre action following his drugs ban with a thrilling victory in Glasgow yesterday.

In a neck-and-neck finish Richardson clinched a memorable win from top Americans Jerome Young and Antonio Pettigrew in a time of 46.20sec.

Considering the blustery conditions it was a more than satisfactory performance from Richardson who has not raced on his own since winning the IAAF Grand Prix Final 10 months ago.

Now with American ace Michael Johnson not defending his title in the World Championships, Richardson 28, has targeted this year's event in Canada.

But he admitted: "Time is against me - it's only six weeks away and I will need a lot of luck."