Athletics: Eilidh Child relishing test of character

In blazing sunshine, Child was the quickest qualifier for the final of the Aviva UK Championships in 56.23, despite coasting to the line in her heat yesterday. With the event doubling up as the trials for next month's world championships in Daegu, Koprea, the 24-year-old knows a new personal best in her first meeting with Shakes-Drayton since last year's European final would likely be enough to secure an automatic spot on the GB team with victory .

"Every time I race Perri, I always run a PB or I'm really close to it," Child declared. "If she beats me, then so be it. But if she runs well, she'll pull me to a good time. I feel I can get under 55 seconds, if I can just get the hurdling right."

Shakes-Drayton, however, remains an ominous threat. The young Londoner underlined her exquisite talents by leaving both Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu and UK No.1 Shana Cox in her wake as she set up a potential double with victory in the 400m final.

"I'm absolutely delighted to win, over the moon," she said. "It really was a tough race and I just about managed to fight through at the end. It shows my training is getting the results and that's great." Lee McConnell was fourth and now has just one week to achieve the qualifying time for Korea to earn an individual berth.

Weeks away from the defence of her world heptathlon crown, Jessica Ennis is sending out signals of her serious intent. Her throw of 14.25 metres in the shot putt was only good enough for seventh place but it equalled her best-ever mark. It was a mere prelude.

Sheffield's steeliest performer, who has also entered the javelin and long jump today, was second to Tiffany Porter in the 100m hurdles after leaping to victory in the high jump, clearing 1.89m, with Edinburgh AC prospect Emma Nuttall in third. "I was a little rusty as I haven't jumped for a bit, but I was pleased with the win," Ennis said. "I would put the whole performance as OK. I'm just hope I'm saving the big performances for a few weeks' time."

Another of Great Britain's potential medallists in Korea, Jenny Meadows, emerged victorious in a tussle with Marilyn Okoro in her 800 metres heat to smooth her path into the final. Yet there was a mature showing from Lynsey Sharp, fresh from taking bronze at the European Under-23 Championships, who looked at ease in claiming her spot.

"I just did what I needed to do," said Sharp, whose father Cameron won European silver 29 years ago over 200m. "There's no pressure on me. I just came into the season hoping to get a PB. Anything is a bonus. I'm three-quarters of a second off the A standard. It's not much but we'll see what happens."

Dwain Chambers grabbed his fifth 100 metres title by bulldozing his way to victory in 10.09 seconds, beating out Harry Aikines Aryeetey and Marlon Devonish, after Mark Lewis-Francis was disqualified for a false start.

And 2008 Olympic finalist Jeanette Kwakye, whose career was in doubt 12 months ago due to a chronic knee injury, capped her comeback with victory in the women's sprint.

With European champion Dai Greene engaged in reaching the 400m final, Nathan Woodward claimed the hurdles title in 49.66 seconds but will now need to achieve the main standard for Daegu to earn a spot. Hannah England out-sprinted Lisa Dobriskey for victory in the 1500m while Scottish champion James Campbell failed to defend his javelin title, ending with three no-throws which left him with a disappointing best of 74.63m as Lee Doran soared clear.

In today's programme, Eilish McColgan can confirm her spot for the worlds when the young Dundonian goes in the 3000m steeplechase while Mo Farah, fresh from his brilliant win in the Diamond League meeting in Monaco, runs in the 5000m.