Gatlin, Powell, Gay head season best 100 meter lineup at Athletissima Diamond League meet

By Graham Dunbar

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAUSANNE, Switzerland _ The best 100-meter lineup so far in this world championship season sees six of the eight fastest men in 2015 race on Thursday.

Justin Gatlin of the United States defends his two-season winning streak over 100 and a world-leading 9.74-second time at the Athletissima Diamond League meet.

Asafa Powell of Jamaica says “this is the biggest race I’m going to be in for the season.”

Powell’s season-best of 9.81 at Paris last weekend is second only to Gatlin.

Usain Bolt is missing though the Jamaican superstar had opted for the 200 before withdrawing due to a left leg injury.

Tyson Gay is here after winning the U.S. national title in 9.87, boosting a race that offers a key guide for the Aug. 22-30 worlds in Beijing.