FIRST GOLD

Germany's Ralf Bartels had the honour of becoming the first European champion of 2006, taking victory in the shot put with his final effort of 21.13 metres.

Former world champion Andrei Mikhnevich of Belarus had led for much of the competition but had to settle for silver by two centimetres. Denmark's Joachim Olsen was third.

The day's other gold medal went to Russia's Inga Abitova, who smashed her personal best by more than a minute to win the women's 10,000 metres in 30 minutes and 31.87 seconds.

Norway's Susanne Wigene prevented a Russian sweep in second ahead of Lidiya Grigoryeva and Galina Bogomolova.

Having done most of the work Kenyan-born Lornah Kiplagat, now of the Netherlands, was overtaken on the final lap by Abitova and finished fifth.

Turkey's pre-race favourite Elvan Abeylegesse, who has the fastest time in the world this year, did not finish the race.

Three-times Olympic and world champion Jan Zelezny has the chance to claim the one gold medal missing from his cabinet after qualifying for Wednesday's javelin final, although the 40-year-old Czech will be happy with any medal.

"I feel like I am in pretty good shape for my age but nothing is perfect anymore so any medal I can win would be a success," said Zelezny, who plans to retire after the championships.

Russian world record holder Tatyana Lysenko provided a championship best on the opening morning of competition when she threw 73.23 metres to top qualifying in the hammer competition.