Idowu, who won silver at last year's Olympics, edged out Portugal's Nelson Evora, who pipped Idowu in Beijing.

BBC: Idowu wins Britain's second gold

Portugal's Nelson Evora denied him the Olympic title in Beijing in 2008 by five centimetres and Phillips has vowed not to miss out again.

BBC: Phillips Idowu wins European Athletics triple jump gold

The Olympic silver medallist opened with an effort of 17.10 but passed the qualifying mark with his second attempt, Beijing gold medallist Nelson Evora leading the early qualifiers for Tuesday's final with 17.44.

BBC: Ohuruogu and Idowu reach finals