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The win sealed a record-equalling fourth indoor title at the event for the "Bath Bullet".

And it marked him out as favourite for the World Indoor Championships in Budapest next month.

Nick Smith was second in a time of 6.63, with Dwayne Grant completing the top three, clocking 6.68.

Christian Malcolm finished a disappointing fifth.

"It was important to come here and reinforce that I am still number one," said Gardener afterwards.

"And I told my coach I was going to run 6.49 today, so he'll be happy."

Two-time world long jump champion Fiona May produced a record-breaking display in her first appearance in her home country for four years.

It felt really strange to be competing in Britain again Fiona May

The 34-year-old, who competes for Italy, shattered the championship best with a superb 6.61 metre jump in the first round.

She then registered a stunning 6.68m with her fourth-round jump.

That mark was 17cm better than the record set by Australia's Nicole Boegman in Cosford 15 years ago.

Afterwards May, who was competing for the first time against sister Natasha, said: "It felt really strange to be competing in Britain again.

"It's been 10 years since I went away. But I got a warm welcome and it was good to be jumping with my sister. She did really well."

Fiona May was too good for sister Natasha

Former world indoor champion Jamie Baulch won his 400m heat comfortably in a time of 48.46 seconds to coast into the final.

The Welsh runner is hoping his winter training in the US under coach Linford Christie will help him get back on track after several poor seasons.

But the heats ended in disappointment for Superstars winner Du'aine Ladejo.

His race ended in misery when a leg spasm caused him to pull up halfway through, clutching his hamstring.

Britain's Kelly Holmes effectively strolled through her 800m semi-final to book a place in Sunday's final.

Sheffield's Becky Lyne won the other semi-final.