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Williams still sure to skip World Championships

Jodie Williams showed she can be competitive in Paris, but remains certain she will skip the World Championships in South Korea © PA Photos

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Rising star of British sprinting Jodie Williams has reiterated her intention to skip this year's World Championships in South Korea, despite finishing fourth in the final of the European Indoors 60 metres in Paris on Sunday.

The 17-year-old made the step up from the junior circuit to compete in the event, clocking a personal best of 7.21 seconds in the semi-finals as she qualified for her first major final. The World Junior 100 metres champion then showed her undoubted potential by equalling her qualifying time in the final, but narrowly missed out on a medal as the race was won by Ukraine's Olesya Povh.

Despite proving her ability to compete among seniors, Williams insists she will not compete in Daegu this year, preferring instead to concentrate on her training and studies at home.

"It's made me more sure that I am not ready for worlds yet," Williams said. "It's frustrating to be so close to a medal but I was just happy to be in that race.

"It's been an amazing experience. I have come a long way as an athlete to be out there competing against those athletes and in front of that crowd. Sixty metres is my worst event so I am happy to come here and get fourth.

"I'll be back at school on Tuesday and it's going to be strange but I'll have a lot of work to catch up on."

Williams' decision, made in conjunction with her coaches and her father, has previously angered head of UK Athletics Charles van Commenee, who sees her as a fine prospect for the 2012 Olympic Games in London - but one who needs exposure to major competitions.

"It would not be my choice," Van Commenee said. "I've encouraged her to go. I failed to convince [her coaches] so I am not in the position to hijack her, put a chain around her neck and put her on a plane and put a gun in her back and say, 'Now you're going in the blocks'."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.