Star sprinter Ronald Pognon on his way to victory in the men's 100m at the 2005 SPAR European Cup in Florence. (Photo by Idalena Francos/Sporting-King)

Pognon ran away with the men's 100m dash on Wednesday, before bagging the silver in the 200m the following day.

Billed as the man to beat in the straight dash, the 23-year-old French star didn't disappoint, as he comfortably defeated Britain's Dwain Chambers, 10.13 seconds to 10.19sec in successfully defending his title. He also got home ahead of Russian World Indoor silver medallist at 60m, Andrey Yepishin, who took third also in 10.19.

"I felt good during the race," said Pognon, who was never seriously challenged by any of the runners in the field. "My reaction time was quite good and I managed to progress to victory."

Pognon was also looking forward to winning the 200m, but felt short in completing that feat, beaten by British former World Junior champion Christian Malcolm, who crossed the finish line in 20.29. Pognon improved his season best to 20.37 to grab the silver medal.

He opted not to compete in the 4x100m relay and his team, after making through to the finals, was disqualified in the finals.

Pognon's progression in the last five years has been quiet impressive, moving from a modest 10.50 in 2000 to a career best 9.99, accomplished last year at the IAAF Super Grand Prix Meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, on his way to defeating World and Olympic champion Justin Gatlin, who is also the joint 100m world record holder.

The World Championships 4x100m relay gold medallist from Helsinki, Finland, last summer, will now continue his preparation with his coach Guy Ontanon, as he looks toward achieving some success on the European circuit this season.