|
FAST START PAYS OFF: Powell (left) beating compatriot Bolt to the 100m title at the Stockholm Grand Prix on Tuesday. He led the race from start to finish and clocked 9.88sec. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
|
STOCKHOLM - THE fastest underdog in the world bit back on Tuesday as Asafa Powell stopped the Usain Bolt bandwagon from rolling into Beijing with possession of sprinting's bragging rights.
In a race of fine margins and broad scope in Stockholm, Powell won the all-Jamaican 100-metre duel by one hundredth of a second.
His time of 9.88sec was not enough to earn him a diamond for a stadium record, but it may prove priceless with regards to his mentality come the Olympic final, reported The Times.
Powell had been the world record holder until his compatriot, always known as a 200m specialist, literally bolted out of nowhere to become the world's fastest man.
Two months ago, Bolt rewrote the 100m world record in New York. His 9.72sec effort bettered Powell's old mark of 9.74.
Suddenly, there was a new kid on the block and Powell, whose season has been undermined by a shoulder injury, looked vulnerable.
Beaten by Bolt at the Jamaican trials, he arrived in Sweden for the Stockholm Grand Prix with vultures circling.
However, he said he relished the role of underdog and responded with a lightning start to silence those who have questioned his mental fortitude.
He capitalised on Bolt's weak start and led the world record holder from start to finish.
Bolt, who was slow out of the blocks, nearly caught his fellow Jamaican at the finish line. Third place went to Norwegian Jaysuma Saidy Ndure in 10.06.
'I was really happy with the race,' Powell said. 'My goal was to win. My start was quick and fast. And the speed stayed with me through the finish.
'I'm really looking forward to the Olympics. I needed today's win for my confidence. That is most important in order to get really good times.'
Bolt was sombre.
'I'm disappointed,' he said. 'My start was not good enough. That was the key tonight. I was also disturbed by the false start.''
Earlier, Dayron Robles missed his world 110m hurdles record by just 0.04sec, winning the race in 12.91.
Americans David Oliver (13.04) and Aries Merritt (13.33) also made the podium.
For setting a new Olympic Stadium record, Robles earned a one-carat diamond worth US$10,000 (S$13,500).
His time is the fourth fastest in history, tied with Colin Jackson of Britain.
China's Liu Xiang ran a 12.88 and Dominique Arnold of the United States clocked 12.90 in 2006.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
|
