Bratislava, Czech Republic yesterday, jumping 17.04 metres (55 feet, 11 inches).

Wellman trailed arch-rival Yoelvis Queseda of Cuba, who was second with a leap of 17.21 metres. James Beckford of Jamaica was first, jumping 17.23 metres.

It was Wellman's second outdoor jump of 1995, having finished first at a meet in El Paso, Texas with a leap of 17.62 metres (57 feet, 93 inches).

In 11 meets this year it was his fourth poorest result, but the world indoor gold medalist bounced back from a jump of 16.66 metres to finish first at Barcelona.