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Chambers could face Powell in comeback

09/06/2006

British sprinter Dwain Chambers could make his return to the track this Sunday after seeing out a two-year drugs ban.

The 28-year-old is on line to participate in the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Gateshead – provided that he signs a deal with the UK Athletics to repay it the money he earned during his ban.

He will be free to run in Gateshead if he signs the deal, already verbally agreed, on Saturday – organisers Fast Track will reserve a lane for him in the 100 metres until tomorrow evening’s deadline for submitting final start lists.

Chambers, the reigning European champion, would face joint world record holder Asafa Powell on Sunday if all goes to plan and, having been training in Jamaica recently, those who have witnessed him in action claim that he is returning to the sensational form which saw him take the European gold four years ago.

Powell himself has designs on the Gateshead meet record of 10.05 seconds, incidentally set by Chambers, and believes that British sprinters need to stop bathing in the glory of their 100 metre relay success of two years ago.

The Jamaican said: "I think the British sprinters are getting a little bit too comfortable. They need to continue working hard and don't let the recognition and whatever else they are getting, stop them focusing.

"I'm looking to staying under 10 seconds and having had a good look at the track, there's no reason why I can't do it at the weekend. I expect to win all my races and I expect to run fast times and it will be no different here."

The possible appearance of Chambers would come as a boost for the Gateshead event, which has seen Jason Gardiner withdraw from Sunday’s race and also will lack the presence of Tim Benjamin, the top 400 metre runner in Europe last year.


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