Gatlin, Powell Run Well -- Separately

EUGENE, Ore. —  Like two heavyweight boxers posturing before a potential championship fight, co-world-record holders Justin Gatlin and Asafa Powell did not disappoint at the Prefontaine Classic track and field meet Sunday.

Running in separate 100-meter races, Gatlin tied the meet record with a time of 9.88 seconds, and Powell cruised to victory in a wind-aided 9.93 before a sellout crowd on a cold and rainy afternoon at Hayward Stadium.

“I proved that I can protect my house,” said Gatlin of sharing the spotlight with Powell, a Jamaican. “I’m a patriot of America, and I came here to put on a great show and that’s what I did.”

Said Powell: “I thought Justin ran a good race, but he always runs good races. His time didn’t surprise me.”

Although neither runner came close to the world record they share at 9.77, they both said that Sunday’s unusual set-up will increase the intensity of their rivalry.

“You can see how a lot more people are getting into the sport,” said Powell, who set his mark in June. “Last year, we did not have this many fans at this meet.”

As for a head-to-head race between the top two sprinters, fans will have to wait. When Gatlin matched Powell’s record in the 100 this month at Doha, Qatar, his price tag apparently went up to a level beyond some race officials’ budgets. But when the money is there, Gatlin said the race will be worth it.

“Asafa and I, it’s a unique situation,” Gatlin said. “I’m not saying that it’s not going to happen, because I think that’s what the world wants to see, but the world has to be patient. I promise it will be the best race the world has ever seen.”

Initially at Doha, Gatlin had thought he broke Powell’s record when he ran an announced time of 9.76 seconds. But Gatlin’s sole possession of the mark lasted only five days before the International Assn. of Athletics Federations adjusted his time to match Powell’s because of a timing miscalculation.

That set the stage for Sunday. Gatlin struck first with his impressive victory. Running out of Lane 4, Gatlin was slowed early when he banged arms with Leonard Scott, who got off to an early lead. But by 50 meters, he pulled away to win by two strides over Scott, who finished second at 10.16.

Then it was Powell’s turn. With Gatlin watching from the infield, Powell jumped to an early lead over Gatlin’s training partner Shawn Crawford -- the 2004 Olympic gold medalist in the 200 -- and glided through the final 25 meters.

“We both won our heats, but nothing was settled,” Powell said. “No one really won.”

Next week, Gatlin will run in New York and Powell will head to Europe. The expected June 11 showdown at a meet in Gateshead, England, is off, according to Gatlin.

“This is my job and this is what I do.... My income is determined by when I run and being successful,” he said. “That’s how I can make the most money.... It’s my job to make sure that I’m not out there running for free.”

Powell said he’s ready to face Gatlin any time.

“I’m not sure when we’ll race because we had one scheduled, but it’s not anymore,” Powell said. “Everyone in Jamaica is going crazy. For us not to run against each other, I would be more disappointed for the people there than for myself.... I know we’ll run sometime, I just don’t know when.”

The last time the runners faced each other on the track was July in London when Gatlin won easily after Powell pulled up because of a groin injury.

“This is just great for track because it just adds to the buildup,” said Michelle Perry, who won the women’s 100 hurdles Sunday. “To have them both here but not run in the same race only increases the anticipation of when they do run against each other.”

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Other meet highlights included: Bernard Lagat’s victory in the mile over Alex Kipchirchir and Rashid Ramzi in a time of 3:51.53; Torri Edwards’ win in the women’s 100 in 11.08; and Maria Mutola’s win in the women’s 800 in 1:58.86.