KINGSTON (Jamaica), June 27: World 100-metre record-holder Asafa Powell is fighting off an injury scare after winning the Jamaican 100m athletics crown here on Saturday and booking a berth at August’s World Championships in Helsinki. Powell won the sprint title in 10.04 seconds but pulled up after the race and fell to the ground, shocking a crowd celebrating his first meet since setting the world record of 9.77 seconds on June 14 at Athens.

After a few seconds, Powell slowly rose and was aided by coach Stephen Francis in walking off the track slowly and in obvious discomfort.

“It hurt a lot,” said Powell, clutching his right thigh. “It’s really painful. I don’t know what happened but I will be getting some treatment and hopefully everything will be all right.”

A healthy Powell would be a favourite at Helsinki in a showdown against Athens Olympic 100m champion Justin Gatlin, who won the US 100m crown on Saturday to secure his berth at the world meet.—AFP