build-up to this summer's Commonwealth Games when he placed second among a top international gathering at the Slovnaft IAAF invitational track and field meet in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Wellman marked his first appearance on the European circuit this year with a leap of 17.14 metres (56 feet, 21 inches) to place second behind Russia's Vasily Sokov (17.43 metres).

Third place went to another Russian, Yuri Sotnikov (17.09 metres).

And fourth place and fifth place went to the Great Britain pair Jonathan Edwards (17.02 metres ) and Tosi Fasinro (16.58 metres), who could be among Wellman's medal competition at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, between August 18 and August 28.

Two weeks ago Wellman placed first at the New York Games with a leap of 57 feet and three quarters of an inch, while just last weekend he finished behind his coach, American Mike Conley, with 56 feet 43 inches at the Bruce Jenner Classic in Los Angeles.