By Dan Warren

Chambers will run at Scotstoun as part of his preparations for Paris

Dwain Chambers says he remains confident of ducking under 9.70 seconds this season, despite his defeat to Mark Lewis-Francis in the Czech Republic last week.

The British sprinter's bold claim was dismissed by world record holder Tim Montgomery in May.

And Chambers' poor start to the season does not suggest greatness is around the corner.

But the European 100m champion insists he is feeling stronger than ever and is ready to hit peak form for the World Championships in August.

"I said I would be able to run 9.65 this season, and I stand by that," he told this website.

"You have to have something to aim for, and it has to be a challenge.

Montgomery dismisses Chambers' claim

"No one expected (Montgomery) to break the world record when he did, but he had the belief. I have to believe I can do it as well."

Chambers' defeat by British rival Lewis-Francis in the Ostrava meeting followed his announcement that he would not be defending his European Cup crown in June.

But the London-born sprinter, speaking to promote his forthcoming appearance at the Norwich Union International in Glasgow on 29 June, said he was pleased with how his preparations were progressing under new coach Remy Korchemny.

Montgomery astounded everyone when he broke the world record

"It's great working with Remy. I feel very positive and I'm lucky to be involved with him," he said.

"It is the first time he has ever worked with a sub-10 second sprinter, so I think he is finding it interesting too."

Chambers stressed that his early season defeats would not get in the way of his drive for World Championship glory in Paris.

"If I have to take the odd backward step on the way to landing the title in August, then that is what I will have to deal with," he said.

"I clearly need to step up a level, and I do not see why I cannot do that."

Chambers also said he expected former world record holder Maurice Greene - who told the BBC's Athletics Focus on Saturday that he too expected to break 9.70 this season - to return to his best this season.

"Maurice is a great runner, and he's showing signs that he's recapturing his form," he said.

"I hope he does. It's great for the sport to have all the best competitors on top form.

"It gives the summer a more interesting look."