Cragg hails Madrid atmosphere

Ireland's newest middle-distance star Alistair Cragg - who strode home to a first Championship medal at tonight's European Indoors - paid tribute to the atmosphere generated at the stadium.

Cragg took gold in the 3000 metres, easily eclipsing home favourite Reyes Estevez, as he exhibited the form that saw him start last year's Olympic 5000m final as the only European in the field.

Head-and-shoulders above the nine other finalists, the 24-year-old Cragg - in easing up in 7:46.32 - had enough time to single the number one with his right hand in the closing stages.

"I love this atmosphere - these are the best Championships I've ever been in," said a delighted Cragg, a University of Arkansas graduate.

"I can't say setting the pace was a plan," added the front-running favourite, "as you never know what can happen with tactics in finals.

"I feel sorry for Estevez though. He was going for the double on home soil. Anyway he's a brave man and I wish him all the best in the 1500m. He can pull it off."