BRITAIN'S athletics chief today defended the decision to choose Jamie Baulch ahead of Southampton's Iwan Thomas to run the individual 400m at next month's world championships in Canada.

Baulch trailed in last at the British Grand Prix at Crystal Palace on Sunday behind Netley-based Thomas who missed out on the 45.72sec qualifying time by just 1/10th of a second.

Thomas, 27, will still travel to Edmonton as a member of the 4x400m relay squad, but he will still feel bitter at having missed out to his close friend whose season's best time is 46.32sec compared to Thomas's 45.77sec.

The former European and Commonwealth 400m champion finished second in the trial race behind Mark Richardson in Birmingham earlier this month.

Max Jones, performance director for UK Athletics, was part of the selection committee which decided the British team.

He said: "Last year's time has given Jamie an opportunity.

"We couldn't pick anyone else as they hadn't got the qualifying standard. Jamie has lacked confidence this year, but is a top-class athlete who is suite to the big stag and on his day is capable of great things.

"If Iwan is psychologically fresh, he will be ready to go for it in the 4x400m.

"I'm sure Iwan will put his heart and sole into the relay."

Baulch will join Mark Richardson and fit-again Daniel Caines in the individual 400m event.

Meanwhile, Darren Campbell was left out of both the 100 and 200 metres sprint events.

Having struggled all season with a hamstring injury, Campbell had his last opportunity to prove his fitness in Sunday's Norwich Union British Grand Prix.

But Campbell went to Crystal Palace already knowing the odds were heavily stacked against him and he finished second last over 100 and wooden spoonist at 200.

Last year's Olympic 200m silver medallist has already been included in the 4x100m relay team.

The selectors are hoping he will confirm his availability for a British team that finished second two years ago in Seville as they expect to offer a serious challenge to the defending United States quartet in Canada.