Powell promises performance to make Usain sit Bolt upright

ASAFA Powell has promised to produce a fast time when he runs against Tyson Gay in the 100 metres at today's Diamond League athletics meet in Gateshead.

Returning to the track where he equalled his former world-record time of 9.77 seconds in 2006, the Jamaican hopes to send a message to current record-holder and reigning Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt.

Bolt ran 9.82 in the 100 in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday, equalling Powell's fastest time this year.

And Powell said yesterday: "I'll be as fast as I want. I'll be very fast."

Powell claims he has made his best-ever start to a season and he is expected to face Bolt at the Paris Diamond League meet on July 16, with the talk already of a world-record time

Powell added: "It's not every time you can expect a world record,

"You want the other guys to be on form. When we are all in great shape you will see some great performances. Patience is all it takes."

Gay will be running the 100 for the first time this season in Gateshead, though the American clocked 19.76 over 200 meters in Eugene, Oregon, last weekend. His season was stalled when he missed the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in June with a hamstring injury and he insists he is not trying to chase Bolt.

Gay said: "I'm still trying to improve my overall health. But I have always worked hard and I'm going to continue to work hard."