THE agony must go on for a little longer for discus thrower Shelley Newman as she bids for a place in next month's World Athletic Champion-ships in Paris.

The 29-year-old won Saturday's national trials at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, beating her main rival Philippa Roles in the process.

But her hopes of clinching automatic selection to the British team ended in disappointment because her winning throw of 58.16 metres - 51 cms better than Roles - was still short of the qualifying standard of 63.40m.

Now six-footer Newman, who has recently moved to Kidderminster, has two final chances at an event at Loughborough today and at Cwmbran on August 9.

However, if she or Roles fail to make the qualifying standard, it will be Newman who jumps on the plane to France by virtue of Saturday's victory.

Newman, ranked 22 in the world, told the Shuttle/Times & News: "I was very nervous in Birmingham. That is not like me, but I think it is because my whole year has been aimed at the world event.

"I think I am beginning to have visions of throwing the discus in my sleep!"

She added: "The swirling wind at the trials was against me but winning was important and has made me feel much more confident."

The University of Birmingham lecturer will be hoping Loughborough is her lucky venue - she set a new English record of 61.22m there last month.