OSAKA, Aug 14: Jamaica's Asafa Powell set his sights on lowering his own 100 metres world record upon arriving in Japan for the world athletics championships on Tuesday.

The world's fastest man arrived in fighting form ahead of his showdown with American Tyson Gay, declaring that his world record of 9.77 could be under threat.

“It's a fast track in Osaka,” Powell told reporters ahead of the Aug 25-Sept 2 world championships.

“If conditions are right I could set a new world record.”

Gay has clocked a season's best 9.84 this year and his much-hyped clash with Powell is set to be the highlight of the championships.

“I'm looking forward to [racing him],” added Powell, whose arrival in Japan had been delayed by visa problems.

“But the most important goal is to win the gold medal.”—Reuters