AP - British sprinter Dwain Chambers win his 100 metres heat in 10.14 seconds during the British Olympic trials at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England, yesterday.

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP)

Dwain Chambers blocked out his legal challenge against a lifetime Olympic doping ban to advance to the semi-finals of the 100 metres at Britain's Beijing trials with the fastest time in Friday's heats.

Chambers won the first heat in 10.14 seconds at Birmingham's windy Alexander Stadium.

Even if he secures one of the top two places in today's final, his Beijing berth depends on a judge granting on Wednesday an injunction against the British Olympic Association (BOA) by-law that hands drugs cheats a lifetime ban.

"I try not to think about it - I've just got to let my legs do the talking," Chambers said. "I can't worry about finishing first or second, what's going to be will be.

"I proved I'm in good shape, but I've just got to hold it up here mentally because there's a lot riding on my performance here over the weekend that will determine what happens next week."

second-fastest time

Simeon Williamson, the European Under-23 champion, had the second-fastest time in 10.31, ahead of Craig Pickering, the European indoor silver medallist, in 10.33.

The 30-year-old Chambers returned to the track this year after serving a two-year doping ban from 2003-05. He tested positive for the steroid THG, the drug at the centre of the BALCO scandal, in August 2003.

He won silver in the 60 at the World Indoor Championships in March, but made an ultimately unsuccessful entry into rugby league in April before returning to the track with the Olympics in his sights.

"Being in the first heat was a bit nerve-racking," Chambers said. "I'm pleased with the time, it shows I am in good shape, I've just got to repeat the same performance again tomorrow.

"I'm just going to have fun and show I've still got it in these old legs of mine."

confident

At an initial hearing Wednesday, the judge told London's High Court that he was confident of Chambers prevailing on the track.

"At the end of the day, what the judge's decision will be, will be," Chambers said. "I've just got to respect his decision and whatever comes after, just get on with my life. He's obviously a sports fan, so that helps."

Judge Colin Mackay is expected to deliver a verdict after next Wednesday's injunction hearing in time for the July 20 deadline for team selection for the August 8-24 Olympics. The BOA will argue that the sprinter's challenge would not succeed at a full trial.

Given the time constraints, the full appeal against the BOA by-law cannot be heard until after the Games.