Britain’s Mo Farah retained his 5,000 metres title at the European Championships with a supremely confident performance in Helsinki, yesterday.

Farah, who is also world champion over the distance, led at the bell and was never going to be caught as he powered to victory in 13 minutes 29.91 seconds.

That was more than 30 seconds slower than his world-leading time in 2012 set in Oregon this month, but the gold medal was all that mattered and proved once again that the 29-year-old has matured into a superb championship athlete.

Running his penultimate 5,000m before the London Olympics, Farah was content to sit at the very back of the field for the opening 600m before slowly moving through the pack.

Farah gradually pulled away from the field to win by almost two seconds from Germany’s Arne Gabius with Turkey Kemboi Arikan claiming bronze.

Maltese in action

Rachid Chouhal and Diane Borg took part in the 100 metres heats in Helsinki, yesterday morning.

Chouhal, 37, came agonisingly close to improve his national veterans record after dashing home in 10.86secs, just 0.03 of a second slower than the mark he set earlier this month at Marsa.

The heat was won by Norway’s Jaysuma Saidy Ndure who crossed the finish line in 10.24.

Borg was first in action in the fourth heat of the women’s 100m race.

She clocked a new season best of 12.14 seconds but only managed eighth place.

The heat was won by Germany’s Verena Sailer in 11.14secs.

Chouhal and Borg will return to action tomorrow for the 200m heats.