Chambers defies critics to continue challenge in Sofia

DWAIN Chambers stormed to the fastest 100 metres by a British athlete this year when he was second in 10.05seconds in Sofia last night.

The 30-year-old former drug cheat, who is under pressure from the British Olympic Association not to compete at the Olympic Games, lost his unbeaten season's record behind fast-finishing Asian record holder Samuel Francis.

Chambers emphasised his determination to represent Team UK in Beijing when he finished behind the Nigerian-born Qatar sprinter, who was 0.02secs quicker.

"I only got an invite to compete at the last minute," said Chambers who on Saturday twice broke the Olympic qualifying mark in Germany. "My legs were tired after those races," he added, "and I thought after coming into the race after a last-minute call, I would have been slower.

"Quite frankly I was knackered," he admitted after posting his best mark since 2001.

"But this is more progress and I feel I'm getting there," added Chambers whose lawyers are expected to file proceedings against his lifetime Olympic ban later this week.

Chambers, who is attempting to overturn a BOA bylaw in the High Court, moved 0.01 ahead of the performance achieved by Tyrone Edgar in Geneva a month ago.