STOCKHOLM, Aug 6: World 100 metres record-holder Tim Montgomery flopped on his return to the track after over a month’s absence finishing well down the field behind compatriot Justin Gatlin here on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old two-time world championship medallist looked to be in need of several races ahead of the world championships in Paris in three weeks as he just made the final and then was never in it as Gatlin streaked away to win in 10.15 seconds.

Montgomery, who finished sixth in 10.37 seconds, had taken time off after finishing second behind European champion Dwain Chambers in Glasgow at the end of June to be with his new born child, Tim Junior, and girlfriend Marion Jones.

His task looked to have been made easier when in-form Nigerian Deji Aliu was disqualified for false starting.

The women’s 100 metres gave French star Christine Arron high hopes of taking gold in Paris as she roared home to win in 11.11 seconds with defending world champion, Zhanna Block, back in fourth in 11.45 — sprint great Merlene Ottey, now competing for Slovenia, was fifth.

Arron’s victory was even better considering she had thought of pulling up.

Allen Johnson franked his form as favourite for a fourth world championship crown in the 110 metres hurdles as he streaked home ahead of compatriot Duane Ross, who had led him out of the blocks.

However, 32-year-old Johnson stormed back and quickly ran down Ross, who at least managed to finish the race compared to his crashing out of the American championships.

Women’s number one Brigitte Foster also looked impressive as the Jamaican surged to victory in the 100 metres hurdles improving on her runners-up performance from last year at the same meeting.

While the 28-year-old had Olympic bronze medallist Melissa Morrison back in third she will still have the ominous presence of three-time world champion Gail Devers to cope with once they hit Paris for the world championships.

Kenyan 3000 metres steeplechasing prodigy Stephen Cherono ran another remarkable race to better his world best time of the year as he finished in eight minutes 4:75 seconds though whether he will be able to replay that at the worlds is in the hands of the authorities.

The 20-year-old had hoped to run for Qatar after reportedly signing a lucrative deal with the Qatari federation to run for them — but the Kenyan authorities have warned him not to go ahead with the agreement.

Leading results:

MEN’S: