Home  Sports Powell puts the world on notice
|
Powell puts the world on notice |
|
|
|
|
Friday, 25 July 2008 |
STOCKHOLM, Sweden– Asafa Powell used a tremendous start to beat fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt in the highly anticipated men’s 100 meters at the IAAF DN Galan Super Grand Prix track and field meeting on Tuesday evening to put the world on notice ahead of the Beijing Olympics.
Powell clocked 9.88 seconds, edging world-record holder Bolt (9.89), with Norway’s Jaysuma Ndure (10.06) third.
“I was really happy with the race, my goal was to win,” Powell told reporters after the race.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Richard Thompson was fourth in 10.06 in a quality field that featured several top contenders for the Olympics next month.
Powell, who lost his world record to Bolt in May, flew out of the blocks and enjoyed a very clear lead after 30 meters.
Bolt, whose 9.72-second run at the Reebok Grand Prix on May 31, knocked off Powell’s 9.74 as the fastest ever legal 100-metre time, grimaced with determination in mid-race as he battled to close the gap on Powell.
He gained significantly on Powell and the pair looked composed as they crossed the finish line a mere 0.01 seconds apart.
“My start was quick and fast and the speed stayed with me through the finish. I am really looking forward to the Olympics,” Powell said.
The win was a morale booster for Powell as he bids to recapture race sharpness after a couple of injuries had slowed his preparation earlier this season.
"It was very important to build up the confidence by beating him today. He's got the world record, but I've run 9.74 so you've got to watch out for me … Asafa Powell is still there,” added Powell, who was beaten by Bolt at the Jamaica National Championship in Kingston last month.
The event was Bolt’s last scheduled 100-metre run before the Olympics, while Powell is set to have a clash with world champion Tyson Gay at the London Grand Prix this weekend.
Jamaica’s status as very potent sprint relay force was advertised by Nesta Carter winning Race 2 of the men’s 100 in a personal best 9.98 seconds, with his teammate Michael Frater second in 10.04 seconds.
|
|
|
|
