Dwain Chambers' future hung in the balance last night following reports that his B sample test for new designer steroid THG was positive. Confirmation of the result is still awaited from the International Amateur Athletics Federation and UK Athletics, a fact stressed by Chambers' solicitor Graham Shear. But the apparent result of the European 100 metres champions' B test has leaked out ahead of an official announcement by UK Athletics, who were last night believed to still be awaiting the official confirmation of the result of Chambers' B test. Chambers' A sample was positive and his B sample, tested at a laboratory in Los Angeles on Monday, is understood to have confirmed the A test result. The 25-year-old British sprinter could now face suspension pending the findings of an independent disciplinary panel. Chambers' solicitor Shear said he was `mystified' by reports of the result of the B test, adding: "We don't know and we have not been notified of any results. I am more than a little mystified, this seems very speculative, premature and maybe unsafe. We have not been notified, not even a suggestion of intimation as to the outcome to the test. I'm extremely surprised by this development." Chambers admits having taken THG, which was discovered on August 1 in an out-of-competition test in Germany, but claims he was unaware of the contents of the supplements he was taking. A lengthy suspension from the disciplinary panel would deny Chambers the chance to compete in the Athens Olympics next year and British Olympic Association rules would also ban him from all subsequent Games. Confirmation from the University of California laboratory that the B sample is also positive would mean Chambers faces a minimum ban of two years. Indeed the ban could be even longer if it was felt Chambers deliberately used THG, which can also be used as a masking agent, to enhance his performance. The existence of THG only came to light when a well known American coach sent a syringe containing the substance to the US Anti-Doping Agency and alerted USADA of athletes using it. Chambers has claimed on the advice of his coach Remi Korchemny he used Balco Laboratories in California who worked with several world-class athletes and were fully aware of the international rules and limitations on which substances could be used. But any plea for clemency by Chambers will be ignored by the IAAF. Stressing the IAAF's "strict liability" law, president Lamine Diack has said: "The rule is very clear. Athletes are responsible for what is found in their bodies." | 
