Williams' absence in Doha explained by postive marijuana test

 AMERICAN sprinter Ivory Williams' absence from the World Indoor Athletics Championships is as a result of a positive drugs test for marijuana.

The 24-year-old clocked the fastest time of the world this year of 60m, crossing the line in 6.49 seconds to take victory at the US Championships and world trials last month but has been conspicous by his absence in Doha.

But results from a drugs test at the US trials has revealed traces of Carboxy THC, a marijuana metabolite has led to a three month ban.

It has also meant Williams' time of 6.49 has been chalked off, ensuring Dwain Chambers' time of 6.50 is the fastest time in the world this year, installing the Brit as favourite for gold in Doha.

Due to the fact that marijuana and similar cannabinoids are listed as specified substances, a reduced sanction from the standard two-year ban is possible.

Williams began a three-month suspension on Tuesday, the day he accepted the sanction, and all of his results from the US meet were forfeited.

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