Gatlin beats Powell at Prefontaine Classic athletics

Salem (Oregon), May 29 : American sprinter Justin Gatlin won the 100 metres event at the Prefontaine Classic, leading from start to finish, ahead of rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay.

Gatlin clocked the fastest time of the year, a wind-assisted 9.88 seconds, at Eugene’s Hayward Field on Saturday.

Gatlin showed he is peaking up ahead of the Rio Olympics, beating Jamaican Asafa Powell and American Tyson Gay.

Gatlin is the 2004 Olympic champion who was banned for doping between 2006 and 2010.

Former world record holder Powell finished second at 9.94 seconds, while defending Prefontaine champion Gay clocked 9.98 seconds. IANS