RAYMOND GRAHAM, Star Writer

Up and coming sprint hurdler Hansel Parchment took a lot of confidence from a strong performance at the Jamaica International Invitational Meet last weekend and has set his target at matching strides with the best in the world. And while the 21-year-old admits that he is a long way from reaching his goal, the hurdler believes continued hard work will eventually take him to the top.

The University of West Indies student has made progress in the men's 110 metres hurdles under the watchful eye of senior coach Fitz Coleman. Parchment, who won the event at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China, last year in a then personal best 13.24 seconds, stepped up to the plate on Saturday, turning back a strong field to win the event in a personal best 13.19 seconds, to become the fastest Jamaican in the event this season.

"I am very happy with my win, with my personal best. I did not expect to run that fast so early, but it is a positive and a great feeling," Parchment told Star Sports.

"The time is encouraging as it has motivated me for the rest of the season. I still have to work much harder, as to be competitive with the other top hurdlers in the world, I have to run much faster, and I will be working much harder," said Parchment.

Dwight 'Bigga' Thomas is currently the country's top athlete in the event, and with Parchment coming so close to his personal best of 13.16, the battle for a spot in London could be a hot one.