Bolt & Powell to meet in 100m at Rome Diamond League

The 100 metre showdown between world record holder Usain Bolt and countryman Asafa Powell will highlight Thursday’s Rome Diamond League meet in Italy where a total of eight Jamaicans will compete.

Powell, who ran 9.95 seconds to win the 100 metres in Shanghai, China two weeks ago, will be defending the 100 metre title in Rome where he won in world leading 9.82 seconds last year.

Like Bolt, he was expressing some nerves ahead of the big clash.

"It’s our first real competition and every sprinter when they’re going to run (in) their first competition they are a bit nervous to see where they’re at or if they forget how to run," Powell said.

Despite admitting some nerves Bolt says he is ready for his first race of the season.

"This will be my first race in nine of 10 months, so I’m a little nervous but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been training very well, everything has been coming together and I feel great, so I’m focusing on going out there, getting through the race injury free and then I’ll look on from there to the next races for the rest of the season," Bolt said.

Commonwealth champion Lerone Clarke and Mario Forsythe will also line up in the event.

Jermaine Gonzales, Marvin Anderson, Shericka Williams and Kerron Stewart will also be in action.

Live coverage of the meet can be seen on Television Jamaica starting at 1:00 p.m.