Will Asafa return with a World Championships gold to place alongside his Commonwealth medal? - File

World record holder Asafa Powell will be the star attraction as far as Jamaicans are concerned when the 2007 IAAF World Championships begins tomorrow in Osaka, Japan.

The nine-day spectacular actually begins tonight, Jamaica time. With Osaka 14 hours ahead of Jamaica, morning and early afternoon events will commence on the previous day in the Japanese city. Powell will therefore be in action shortly after 10:10 tonight in heat six of the men's 100m. He should not be tested. The world record holder at 9.77 seconds has a 2007 best of 9.90. His main rival in the heat should be Trinidad and Tobago's Keston Bledman whose personal best is 10.14.

Powell was quoted in London's Daily Mail as saying: "To be considered one of the greatest athletes ever in the event I think I need to win the world and Olympic titles to go along with my world record."

He added: "I know I can do what I've got to do. I'm looking to win. No matter what time. I just want to cross the finish line first."

WORLD CHAMPS FACT BOX

Location: Nagai Stadium, Osaka, Japan

Participants: 3,200

Countries/territories: 203

Number of events: 24 for men, 23 for women

Prize money: US$7.194 million

Winners: $60,000 individuals, $80,000 relays

World record bonus: $100,000

In action tomorrow

MEN

10:00 a.m. (8 p.m.)

Shot put qual: Dorian Scott

12:10 p.m. (10:10 p.m.)

100m heats: Asafa Powell, Clement Campbell, Nesta Carter

8:45 p.m. (6:45 a.m.)

400m hurdles heats: Danny McFarlane, Markino Buckley, Isa Phillips

WOMEN

10:40 a.m. (8:40 p.m.)

3000m steeplechase: Korene Hinds, Mardrea Hyman

7:30 p.m. (5:30 a.m.)

800m heats: Kenia Sinclair

Note: Osaka is 14 hours ahead of Jamaica. Morning and early afternoon events will therefore commence on the previous day in Jamaica. Jamaican times are in brackets.