A SEASON'S best in the 800m still couldn't clinch a Commonwealth Games qualifying time for Lynn Gibson.

The Oxford City member, now living and working in Andover, has her sights set on a place at Kuala Lumpur in September, but has first to decide which event she will plump for at the trials later this month.

Gibson, who was 29 on Monday, stands at the top of the BMC Nike Grand Prix standings in the 800m after winning at Swindon recently.

"I was in positive mood and ran from the front to win in my best time of the season," Gibson recalled.

"I could have got the qualifying time if there had been someone to chase, but I felt stronger than I had done in previous races and I know I have the time in me."

Gibson's headache over which distance to race over has been illustrated in the Grand Prix series, where she opted for the 1500m in the opener at Wythenshawe last month.

There she finished second behind Helen Pattinson, although less than a second separated the rivals. The pair were in different races at Swindon, where Gibson often trains with her coach Bruce Tulloch, and the move paid off as both girls were victorious.

Gibson clocked 2.06.61 to leave her behind Tabya Blake, Diane Modahl and Hayley Parry in terms of fastest times this year, but still not definite in her mind of her trials selection.

She is honest enough to admit, however, that she may target the 800m to avoid Paula Radcliffe and the sidelined Kelly Holmes and Jo Pavey in the 1500m.

Gibson's next competitive outing will be at Cardiff on July 15 in the next round of the Grand Prix, just four days before the BUPA Games at Gateshead.

The BUPA AAA Champ-ionships and Trials take place in Birmingham from July 24-26 by which time Gibson will have finally decided on her best route in her search for Games glory.

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