American Justin Gatlin, pictured on June 4, 2015, powers to an impressive victory in the 100m at the Diamond League meet in Lausanne. PHOTO/AFP
LAUSANNE, July 9- American Justin Gatlin reinforced his credentials as favourite for next month’s world championships by powering to an impressive victory in the 100m at the Diamond League meet in Lausanne on Thursday.
Gatlin, starting in lane number four, held his form and powered through the second part of the race at the Stade de la Pontaise with his traditional late drive, clocking 9.75 seconds.
Jamaican Asafa Powell finished second in 9.92sec, with American Tyson Gay in third on the same time.
“I love this track! Last year I ran 9.79sec, this year there was more competition with Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell.
“It’s always good to face the best, it’s like a heavyweight boxing match, that’s what I want to do.”
Jamaican world and Olympic champion Usain Bolt, also the world record holder, had been due to race the 200m in the Swiss city but pulled out with a pelvic injury, installing Gatlin, who has served two doping bans, as firm favourite for next month’s worlds in Beijing.
