Jamaica's Asafa Powell has his sights set on breaking the 100m world record in London today. - file
Joint world 100m record holder Asafa Powell has made it clear that he will be chasing sole ownership of the record when he faces the starter at today's Norwich Union London Super Grand Prix in London.
"I know I'm running well enough to set a new world record," stated Powell, who has broken the 10-second barrier on eight occasions this season.
Powell who is unbeaten in ten 100m outings this season, is likely to run by himself again, as apart from injured Justin Gatlin, who he shares the 9.77 world record with, there is just no sprinter out there to test him just now.
However, he said he don't mind running against the clock.
"I don't mind running against the clock and I will run fast," quoted added the 23-year-old on sportinglife.com.
"My performances recently suggest I can do something special at the Norwich Union London Grand Prix. I see no reason why I cannot set an all-comers' record," he added.
He hinted that, despite his world record equalling 9.77 run at Gateshead on June 11, the world has not yet seen his best.
Going for impressive run
"I've yet to really push myself this season to see how really fast I can go."
Powell said he will be trying to create an impression in London.
"Now I want a big passionate London crowd to remember Asafa Powell for completing 100m with one of my most impressive runs."
Powell, the national 200m champion will face Leonard Scott and Marcus Brunson of the United States in heat two along with Mark Lewis-Francis of Great Britain. Ainsley Waugh and Dwight Thomas will oppose Francis Obikwelu of Portugal in heat two.
In equally good form at the moment is another Jamaican, Sherone Simpson, the Commonwealth Games 200m champion.
The 21-year-old Simpson holds the quickest times in the world this summer for 100m (10.82) and 200m (22.00). Her best for 200m has come twice this season, the last time in Sweden a few days ago.
In this form she looks the certain favourite for the 100m in London even with a back to form Marion Jones in the field.
Torri Edwards, and Allyson Felix, both of America, and Bahamian Debbie Ferguson are other star athletes in the field
In another big clash, World Junior 200m record holder Usain Bolt, who ran a career best 19.88 over a week ago, faces a stern test when he lines up against American Xavier Carter who recently shocked the world with a 19.66 seconds run, the second best of all time.
Crack Americans Tyson Gay and Wallace Spearmon are also in the men's 200m dash along with Jamaica's Commonwealth Games gold medalist Omar Brown.
Michael Blackwood will face American Andrew Rock and 'Superman' Jeremy Wariner of the United States in the men's 400m, while Kemel Thompson and Olympic silver medalist Danny McFarlane are down to face another American, Kerron Clement, in the men's 400m hurdles.
Novlene Williams will oppose Jamaica-born Sanya Richards and Olympic champion Tonique Williams-Darling in the women's 400m while Kenia Sinclair will try to lower her national record in the women's 800m.
Michelle Burger and Allison Beckford will face the starter in the women's 400m hurdles. Trecia Smith and Elva Goulbourne are listed for the women's long jump.
