Athletics: Chambers' slow start

Dwain Chambers will be searching for an urgent change in his fortunes after finishing last over 200 metres in the Oregon Track Classic in Portland.

Although not a half-lap specialist, the European 100metres champion expected to have run quicker than 21.20seconds, a time bettered by 15 other Britons in 2002. That saw the 24-year-old finish well behind the winner John Capel, the Sydney Olympic finalist, in 20.38sec.

Now Chambers, who opened his 100m season with a third in last weekend's Modesto Relays, will need to move up a couple of gears quickly. Chambers was the last competitor given a starting lane for next Saturday's IAAF Grand Prix One meeting in Eugene where the 100m opposition will be awesome.

Chambers faces the world record-holder Tim Montgomery, who made a losing start to his season when he was pushed into second place in the Banamex Grand Prix in Mexico a fortnight ago. Maurice Greene is the only notable absentee.