Asafa Powell Out Of 100m Showdown

Asafa Powell has been forced to pull out of the clash with Tyson Gay and Usain Bolt on Friday night.

The three fastest sprinters of all time were set to go head to head for the first time this season at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm but Powell is struggling with a groin injury.

Powell has clocked the joint quickest 100m time of the season, sharing the 9.82 seconds with compatriot and Olympic Champion Bolt.

Powell picked up in the groin injury in Paris earlier this summer and is still struggling to run with the pain that the injury is causing.

A statement from Powell's management company read: "On Wednesday, Asafa tested himself with starts from blocks and was just unable to push from the blocks without severe pain.

"As the groin injury healed over the ensuing days, a back and hamstring problem developed."

Powell revealed to ESPN that he had been looking forward to the showdown but believes that in his current condition it would be foolish to even attempt to race.

"I am absolutely devastated," said Powell. "I have been running very well and I was hoping that I would be in the race with a solid chance to win.

"But with the way I have been feeling I know it would be difficult to even finish the race."

Despite Powell's absence tomorrow night Bolt and Gay are set to go head to head.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw