Dwain Chambers insists it is make or break time at the World Indoor Championships after progressing safely out of the heats of the 60m in Sopot.
Chambers was the equal second quickest qualifier with German Lucas Jakubczyk after easing up before the line in the sixth heat and posting a time of 6.57 seconds.
British teammate Richard Kilty led the way with an equal 6.53 personal best in winning heat four with the semi-finals and finals scheduled for Saturday at the Ergo Arena.
Unlike Kilty, Chambers has been in this position many times before having won gold, silver and bronze from the last three World Indoor Championships.
And he believes this is the stage where the men are separated from the boys – backing himself with his experience to be a contender in the final in Sopot.
“It was all about getting through safely and not doing anything daft – I was stuck out in lane eight in that heat,” said Chambers.
“It is early days yet, there are still two more rounds to negotiate and it is these rounds that separate the men from the boys.
“You have got myself, Nesta Carter and Richard but anyone can beat anyone and upset the plan. I have prepared for this in training though.
“I know I will have to put in 110 per cent if not more to be competitive and the one with the best head and quickest feet and more experience will win.”
Elsewhere in the evening session, Tiffany Porter and Andy Vernon also guaranteed themselves another outing in the 60m hurdles and 3000m respectively.
There was no such luck however for Jonathan Mellor in the men’s 3000m heats, Jemma Simpson in the 1500m and Margaret Adeoye and Nigel Levine in the 400m semi-finals.
© Sportsbeat 2014