BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) _ Asafa Powell is alone again as the world's fastest man.
Justin Gatlin, who recently failed a doping test, will forfeit his share of the 100-metre world record. The American had equalled Powell's mark of 9.77 seconds in May, but ever since the scandal broke a month ago, Powell was convinced the tie would be broken.
``I said I would get it back one way or another,'' Powell said.
He can get it back on the track, too, convinced he has the legs to run a faster time at the Van Damme Memorial on Friday.
He has already equalled the mark twice this season, and whenever he comes to Brussels he has always run faster than ever before.
``I always set a personal best when I come here and a personal best would be a world record,'' Powell said.
The Van Damme had been tipped to stage the first Powell-Gatlin duel of the season, but now the Jamaican is on his own.
On Tuesday, Gatlin received an eight-year ban, a penalty which may be softened on appeal. The American avoided a lifetime penalty in exchange for his co-operation with doping authorities.
``It is a good thing that he chose to co-operate,'' said Powell, who could miss out on earning big money for racing against Gatlin.
``Maybe the type of money they would pay to see me and Justin run against each other, they won't really pay to see only one person,'' Powell said.
The disclosure brings good and bad to sprinting, however, especially when the doping scandal surrounding Marion Jones followed in Gatlin's wake.
``It is also good to clean up the sport,'' Powell said, but added all could be cast in a bad light now.
``I'm sure people are saying a lot about me and other sprinters. It doesn't affect me in any way since I know I'm clean. I just laugh,'' Powell said. ``The only drug I'm taking right now is God. He is the only one who is pushing me.''
Powell last equalled his world record Friday at the Weltklasse meet in Zurich, Switzerland. Each time he hits 9.77, it seems a decent dip at the line could have made a difference.
``Sometimes it seems like I don't remember to dip,'' Powell said. ``I get to the line too fast. I will remember this time.''
Even though the Van Damme has a reputation for world records, none have been set in sprint events. Powell, however, will have the luxury to run on a newly laid track.
Victory alone with keep him in line of at least a share of a $1 million US jackpot.
Powell has won all four of his Golden League events and is among four athletes still going for a perfect six out of six.
After Brussels, the Golden League series ends in Berlin on Sept. 3.
