Powell

Asafa Powell's blazing run of 9.74 seconds was yesterday confirmed by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) as the new 100-metre world record.

Powell, trained in Jamaica at the University of Technology (UTech)-based Maximising Velocity Power (MVP) Track Club, set the record at a meet in Rieti, Italy, on September 9 in the second of two heats.

On the same day, he returned to run 9.78 in the final, becoming the first man to run under 9.8 five times.

Previous record

The new mark erased his previous record of 9.77, which he had done three times. American Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic champion who is facing an eight-year ban from the sport for a positive test for testosterone and other steroids at the Kansas Relays in May 2006, has also run 9.77.

Powell, who also ran 9.83 seconds - the fastest time ever in a negative wind at the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart last week, finished a disappointing third at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan last month.

The two-time Jamaica Sportsman of the Year (2005-2006) will today face the starter in his final race of the season in China.

See full report in Sports section.