The 21-year-old, an Olympic finalist and holder of the European Indoor title, has shown signs this season of realising the potential he displayed in his junior days.

But he has yet to win a professional title.

If he strikes gold, the medal would be the same colour as the one won by fellow Welshman Colin Jackson in the 60m hurdles in Maebashi, Japan, two years ago.

"I'm cool and confident about the final - but I need no reminding some of my opponents will be flying out there," said Malcolm after winning his semi-final.

Team-mate Allyn Condon, winner of the British trial, finished second in a time of 21.12secs to join his younger team-mate in the final as US record holder Shawn Crawford slowed down for a 20.80secs victory.

There was positive running from British 400m entrants Daniel Caines and Mark Hylton, who both looked comfortable in winning their respective heats in times of 46.79 and 46.65 seconds.

Catherine Murphy, the double AAA champion at 200 and 400, easily made her 400m semi-final.

The Welsh woman cruised to victory in a time of 52.61secs and later explained that Suziann Reid's opening burst made up her mind.

"I didn't want to take it out but the American went out quite fast and I didn't want to get left behind," said Murphy.

Another successful performance came from John Mayock, who made the 3000m final after a tricky heat.

Fastest loser

In the women's event, Sonia O'Sullivan ran a solid race to finish ahead of defending champion Gabriela Szabo, the Romanian who outpaced her in the final straight to win the Olympic 5,000m gold medal.

Kathy Butler - the former Canadian star now running in British colours - made the final as a fastest loser, while Hayley Tullett also secured her place.

Melanie Wilkins did everything asked of her when setting a personal best of 8.19secs in her 60m hurdles heat. But in her semi-final Wilkins found the pace far too hot and finished last in 8.30.

Her team-mate, former long jump specialist Sarah Claxton, crashed out in the heats after a poor time of 8.54 - the second slowest of the day

Over 800 metres Jo Fenn - a part-time singer who gave Kelly Holmes a tough time in the British trial race - ran below par, propping up the field in a time of 2:05.16, three seconds slower than her personal best.