Athletics: Chambers to resist Greene's fierce desire for revenge

Dwain Chambers goes head-to-head with the world No 1, Maurice Greene, over 100 metres at Crystal Palace on Friday night with the sense of having gained some mental advantage over the Olympic and three-times world champion.

The European champion has the edge over the world record holder, having beaten Greene twice this season in Oslo and Sheffield, as well as finishing ahead of him at the IAAF Golden League Meeting in Zurich last week.

The 24-year-old Londoner has, though, had his share of disappointments this season, too. He was forced to pull up in the final of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester because of cramps, an incident which left some questioning whether or not the injury was genuine.

However, Chambers put the controversy behind him when he destroyed the competition to take the European title in Munich with a run of 9.96sec two weeks later. And he continued that form at the Norwich Union International Challenge in Glasgow on Sunday where, despite a nightmare start in torrential rain at the Scotstoun Stadium, Chambers fought back to win in 10.28.

"The season has gone really well for me and if I can go out and break a personal best or even get the win, that would be brilliant," said Chambers. "It is a bit easier this time around, because all of the pressure was on the Europeans, especially after the Commonwealth Games. This time I will be out to have a bit of fun, get some performances, some wins and some money in my pocket.

"I would like to believe this year is a preparation year for me. I achieved my first goal which was my first European title and I have got two PBs out of it, and this year I have wanted to try and be as consistent as possible and go back to the drawing board in the winter ready to prepare for next year's World Championships.

"All the hard work is done and from here on, I am going to take it easy. I am not going to kill myself any more because I am somewhat more tired now after what I have been through."

By contrast, Greene has had a quiet season. However, Chambers knows that the American is still the man to beat.

"You can't expect to be top dog all the time and he has been on top for four years," he said. "Maybe this year is an easy year for him, so I have just got to make sure I am prepared for him next year."

Greene has called it "a trying year." The Olympic and world 100 metres champion and world-record holder has been beaten three times this season and, though he shuns excuses, blames some of his problems on "family matters" and a falling-out with his long-time shoe sponsor.

But Greene promised to be back at his best for Friday's meet in a field that as well as Chambers, includes the Americans Tim Montgomery, Bernard Williams and Jon Drummond, the Briton Mark Lewis-Francis, Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis, and Frankie Fredericks of Namibia.

"I'm telling you I'm going to win this one," Greene said. "When you say something, you have to live up to it. So we'll see if I can do it or not. It also depends on how you come back from a loss. Watch me come back from this one."

"I don't make no excuses," he added. "If you're strong enough to get on the track, you're strong enough to win. I just got out there and I haven't been able to pull it off."

The 28-year-old American is in a slump, which he attributed to the death of a grandmother and uncle, a late start in training and an acrimonious end to his long-term relationship with Nike. Greene has since moved to Nike's rival, adidas.