Iwan Thomas is bitterly unhappy that his chances of competing in the World Championship individual 400 metres all hinge on Sunday's British Grand Prix at Crystal Palace.

With all avenues to Europe closed on the British record holder, Thomas's only other available race is tonight's International Games at Bedford, but he is reluctant to compete at a venue where fast times and fair weather are unlikely.

Although Thomas was yesterday named in Britain's 4x400m relay squad for Edmonton, his individual inclusion depends on getting the 45.72-second qualifying time by Monday's deadline.

Thomas's mood will not have been enhanced by news that his rival Mark Richardson has got the individual nod for Edmonton even though he has not run the qualifying time either this year.

UK Athletics specified in their summer preparation report that the IAAF A standard should be achieved as of January 2001, but Richardson gets in because World Championship rules allow athletes to be selected on performances achieved last year.

Thomas, though, has run the faster of the two this summer, having clocked 45.77 in the British League at Eton.

Frustrated at not having found a race in Europe, Southampton's European and Commonwealth champion, said: "It doesn't seem fair that it all comes down to Crystal Palace. It's pressure I don't need.

"They (the selectors) know I'm getting better all the time but there's no opportunity for me to race."