Powell promises fast time for Gay clash

GATESHEAD, England (AP):

Asafa Powell is promising a fast time when he runs against Tyson Gay in the 100 metres at today's Diamond League meet in Gateshead.

Returning to the track where he equalled his former world-record time of 9.77 seconds in 2006, the Jamaican hopes to send a message to current record holder and reigning Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt.

Bolt ran 9.82 in the 100m in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday, equalling Powell for the fastest time this year.

"I'll be as fast as I want. I'll be very fast," Powell said yesterday.

When Powell ran at Gateshead four years ago, he was experiencing a dip in form but this time he is better prepared.

"Equalling the world record here was a major confidence boost for me," Powell said. "When I came here in 2006 I was running slow times - 9.90, 10.00. But this is the best I've ever started a season."

Powell and Bolt are expected to face each other at the Paris Diamond League meet on July 16, with the level of competition leading to talk of a world-record time.

"It's not every time you can expect a world record," Powell said. "You want the other guys to be on form. When we are all in great shape you will see some great performances. Patience is all it takes."

First run for Gay

Gay will be running the 100m for the first time this season in Gateshead, though the American clocked 19.76 over 200 metres in Eugene, Oregon, last weekend. He missed the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in June with a hamstring injury.

"The season was pushed back for minor reasons," Gay said.

Gay said he has not adjusted his training in order to chase Bolt.

"I haven't made any improvements," Gay said. "I'm still working on vitamin deficiencies, trying to improve my overall health. But I have always worked hard and I'm going to continue to work hard."

Gay said media focus on Bolt had been good for the sport - although he declined to give the Jamaican all the credit for lowering sprint times.

"The sport needs attention and Bolt has helped that along," he said. "He has given belief to the sport.

"There is more excitement because of the times. But we were running the times before. The cycle was on the rise. He has continued that cycle."

Gay said Powell is the man to beat at the moment.

"Usain had a setback or two and this year Asafa is healthy. He hasn't really had any setbacks," Gay said. "That's the key, that's the name of the game - to stay healthy and you will see a great outcome."

Powell, meanwhile, shook off the news that compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser - the women's Olympic and world 100-metre champion - has been provisionally suspended by the International Association of Athletics Fede-rations after testing positive for a painkiller she claims she took to alleviate a toothache.

A number of Jamaicans have tested positive in the past year and Powell was asked whether Jamaicans were not getting the anti-doping message.

"Well, I'm getting the message," he said. "But it's sad for her and sad that it's happening to someone in my camp."