Simeon Williamson s claim for a spot in Britain s World Indoor Championships squad has been boosted by the news that main rival, Craig Pickering is out for the season, writes Simon Jackson. The shock news has cemented the Highgate Harriers s case of being

Simeon Williamson's claim for a spot in Britain's World Indoor Championships squad has been boosted by the news that main rival, Craig Pickering is out for the season, writes Simon Jackson.

The shock news has cemented the Highgate Harriers's case of being Dwain Chambers' running mate following a superb run in the Norwich Union Grand Prix meeting in Birmingham at the weekend.

Williamson clocked 6.57 seconds to defeat all the remaining British contenders and was only narrowly beaten by Norway's Japsuma Saidy Ndure (6.56secs).

Williamson finished clear of UK sprinters Rikki Fifton (6.61secs), Harry Aiknes Ayreetey (6.62secs), Leevan Yearwood (6.63secs) and Ryan Scott (6.72secs).

"It was a PB and that's all I can do at the moment. I only hope I have done enough," said Williamson.

Williamson, who was controversially dropped from last year's European Indoor Championships, was second to Chambers at the World Indoor Trials run at Sheffield the previous weekend.