'Impressive, if I say so myself': Tokyo triumph is target for uni's rising son

SPRINTER IN SPARKLING FORM AS HE COMPETES FOR WORLD TITLE

- Laura Howard, of Sportsbeat.

SPRINTER Charlie Dobson has already written headlines this year thanks to a shock victory over British star Matt Hudson-Smith and heads to the World Athletics Championships hoping to create more, writes Laura Howard, of Sportsbeat.

Taking place in Tokyo from September 13-21, the championships will feature more than 2,000 athletes from more than 200 countries vying for some of the most coveted podium places in the sport.

Loughborough University graduate Dobson delivered a personal best performance at the London Diamond League in July to pip Olympic silver medallist Hudson-Smith to 400m gold.

And while he refused to be drawn on whether it is a developing rivalry within the British team, the 25-year-old, who will be in action in Tokyo on Sunday at 10am UK time, certainly felt encouraged by the display.

"It was a massive confidence boost. To win the race was amazing, but obviously the time as well was pretty impressive, if I do say so myself," he said.

"Just to be in amongst people like Matt, who's the Olympic silver medallist, and World Championship bronze and silver medallist.

"The opportunity to beat him is pretty incredible, as well as some other big names, and to do it in front of a home crowd as well was awesome."