Dwain Chambers powers his way through 60m heats in Doha

From David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Doha

 DWAIN Chambers powered his way through the 60m heats with the minimum of fuss at the World Indoor Athletics Championships - the British sprinter clearly means business in Doha.

AT A CANTER: Dwain Chambers cruises through the 60m heats as the fastest qualifier at the World Indoor Athletics Championship (Getty Images)

The 31-year-old is the red-hot favourite for gold in Qatar after the withdrawal of the USA's Ivory Williams, who tested positive for marijuana on the eve of the competition.

Chambers romped home in 6.59 seconds, easing down the gears just after the halfway stage of the race but still coasted into the semi finals as the fastest qualifier.

The controversial sprinter is the third fastest of all time over 60m and clocked a personal best of 6.42 in Turin en route to 60m gold at the European Indoor Championships last year.

Chambers also collected silver at the world indoors two years ago in Valencia but as he continues his rehabilitation into athletics, the gold medal favourite sent an ominous warning to his competitors.

"I just feel privileged to be here, it feels good to line up with a clear head on the start line," said Chambers.

"There is always a bit of nerves before the first heat, it is something I have always had because you are stepping into the unknown.

"But I did a good job, I felt good in my run and I just have to keep working through the rounds because tomorrow is another day and it's a busy day."

Second fastest to Chambers was the USA's Trell Kimmons, who clocked 6.61, while compatriot Mike Rodgers, fourth in Valencia two years ago, crossed the line in 6.69 to take victory in his heat. 

Jamaica's Nesta Carter, a member of the 4x100m Olympic gold medal winning quarter in Beijing two years ago, made light work of qualification, coming home in 6.69, while Daniel Bailey of Antigua also eased through.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey recovered from a slow start to book his place in the semi-finals on Saturday, crossing the line in 6.72 - well down on his season's best but good enough to progress nonetheless.

In the men's triple jump, there no major casualties in the absence of world and defending champion Phillips Idowu as Cuba's Yoandris Betanzos led the way with a best jump of 17.11m.

Sweden's Christian Olsson, a world, Olympic and world indoor champion, produced the next best leap of 17.07m while Italy's Fabrizio Donato, who has produced the biggest jump to date this season, also advanced.

Aviva has been proud to have helped and supported the Aviva GB & NI junior, senior and disability teams as they prepare for all major events and championships since 1999. Visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics for more information