Bolt seeks perfect 200m

PARIS (AP):

Usain Bolt is focusing on his 200-metre technique as he prepares to defend his sprint world titles next month, taking on European champion and local favourite Christophe Lemaitre in the Areva meet at Stade de France today.

Bolt's priority is refining the mechanics of his stride.

"In this race, I'll try to get the perfect execution," Bolt said. "When I go out there, I should really focus on trying to get everything together, trying to get the right technique.

"If my technique works, it should be a good time because when I'm fluent, I go fast. A fast night should come if I get it right."

Bolt won his only previous race with Lemaitre this year, in the 100 metres of the Golden Gala in Rome in May.

"I know I can run under 20 seconds," said Lemaitre, who has a personal best of 20.16 in the 200. "I hope I will not do the mistake of copying my race on (Usain's). I need to stay focused on my own race and technique."

Bolt has run only one 200 this season, but he still managed to produce the quickest time of the year with a 19.86 in Oslo last month.

Ten other Jamaicans, including Olympic 200 metres champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, will be in action at the meet.

Top events

1:03 p.m: 400mH Women

1:05 p.m: High jump Men

1:13 p.m: 3000m steeplechase

1:25 p.m: Long jump Men

1:28 p.m: 400m Men

1:38 p.m: 800m Women

1:40 p.m: Discus Throw

1:48 p.m: 100m Women

2:58 p.m: 5000m Women

2:18 p.m: 110m Hurdles

2:33 p.m: 1500m Men

2:46 p.m: 200m Men