Desert storm powers Powell to Doha victory

Former world record holder Asafa Powell, powered by a gusting desert wind, stormed to victory in the 100m in 9.81sec at the Doha Diamond League meeting on Friday, the opening leg of the 14-leg competition.

Helped by a favourable following wind of 2.3m/sec, Powell, the third fastest man in history and the world championship bronze medallist in 2009, finished ahead of Jamaican compatriot Nesta Carter who timed 9.88sec.

America's Travis Padgett took third place in 9.92sec.

Powell, desperate to launch an assault on compatriot Usain Bolt's world record of 9.58sec this year, had been even quicker in the heats, clocking 9.75sec, backed by a 2.6m/sec wind on a sweltering 30-degree night in the Qatari capital.

"I'm satisfied as it's my first 100m of the season. Sadly, it was with the wind," said Powell. "In any case, I have rarely started my season so well. For the world record, I'm going to take it step by step and if it happens, so much the better."

It wasn't Powell's most technically attractive race with the windy conditions compounded by sand swirling across the stadium.

"The starter was quick and I got away badly.

I also wanted to work on two or three things. The first race in the evening was better, especially in terms of the start," added Powell.

The Jamaican had also crossed into the lane of the runner on his inside, an act which would have prompted a disqualification in a major championships.

This first Diamond League meet of 2010 witnessed nine season-best performances.

They included Americans Christian Cantwell (shot) and Allyson Felix (400m) as well as Kenyans Ezekiel Kemboi (3000m steeplechase) and Nancy Langat (1500m).

In the women's high jump, Croatian world champion Blanka Vlasic, struggling with the testing, blustery conditions, won with 1.98m, a long way off breaking the world record of 2.09m.

The Diamond League awards points depending on performances throughout the 14-date programme with the winners of the 16 events taking home a diamond trophy worth around 10,000 dollars (8,000 euros) and a cheque for 40,000 dollars (31,000 euros).

The next round is in Shanghai on May 23 where Bolt will run in the 200m, four days after a 100m in Daegu. DOHA, AFP