Gatlin, Powell set for showdown
2006-05-09 13:04
London - World record-holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica and Olympic champion Justin Gatlin of the United States will go head-to-head over 100 metres for the first time this year at next month's British Grand Prix.
The world's two fastest men will headline the opening meeting of the UK's international schedule of events in Gateshead on June 11.
Powell last June set his world record of 9.77 seconds in Athens, while Gatlin clocked a time of 9.88 seconds in Helsinki when adding the World Championships title to his Olympic success.
The speedsters last met on the track at the London Grand Prix last July when Powell pulled up after a few strides with a groin problem which ended his season.
Gatlin won that race in a time of 9.89 and he also defeated the Jamaican in Eugene, Oregon two months earlier in a thriller where they were both credited with the same wind assisted time of 9.84.
The American, who won the Olympic gold medal when Powell finished fifth, currently has the edge over his Jamaican rival with six wins to three.
- AFP