Jamaican Asafa Powell equalled the world 100m record on Sunday, notching a time of 9, 77 seconds to claim victory at the Gateshead Grand Prix.
It is the third time the mark has been achieved following Powell’s first clocking in June last year in Athens and American Justin Gatlin’s record-equalling mark set a month ago in Doha.
World and Olympic champion Gatlin was originally thought to have run 9,76 and claimed the record outright last month before his marker was rounded up to the same time as Powell’s.
The 23-year-old Jamaican said he was now looking forward to the pair finally meeting on the track for the first time in a year to determine who is the best.
”Last year, I managed the record in Athens. This time it has only been equalled. I have great confidence in myself,” said Powell.
”Now, I am just waiting to face Justin.”
Gatlin was due to run in Gateshead before pulling out last month and the pair are now due to face each other at the London Grand Prix in Crystal Palace on July 28.
London was the scene of their last meeting a year ago when Gatlin cruised to victory as Powell pulled up injured. — AFP
