TYSON Gay ran down early leader Asafa Powell to win the men's 100m at the World Athletics Championships in Japan. His win generated commentaries, including that of gold medallist Michael Johnson. In his column on BBC online, Johnson said, " is the Carl Lewis of the day, showing the same ability to relax, allowing the race to come to him and pulling away to take the 100m gold. Asafa Powell is a great talent but he's not a great competitor. You can see it in his eyes. He can learn to be a great competitor, but first you have to admit that you're not." The American's storming finish saw him win in 9.85 seconds with Derrick Atkins coming through to take second in 9.91. Powell, the Jamaican 100m world record holder, faded in the final 30m to finish third in 9.96. "It just feels so good and it was important for me to beat the world record holder," said Gay, 25. It was the first time Powell and Gay had met this season but the sizzling showdown between the two failed to ignite in the final. Powell, who has been struggling with a groin injury this summer, led from the gun but started struggling after the 50 metre-mark. Gay reeled in the Jamaican and passed him to take gold as Atkins also powered past for a surprise silver medal. "I was real nervous," said Gay, who claimed his first global title on the fast Nagai stadium track. "Powell had an excellent start but when it got to 60m, I thought I could catch him. I'm looking forward to racing him again and I think there will be a great rivalry in the future. "I believe I can get the world record another day, but for now this is a stepping- stone and I want to stay focussed on Beijing (Olympics)." Powell, who finished fifth in the 2004 Olympic final and was forced to miss the 2005 Worlds with injury, blamed his lacklustre display in Japan on a stumble out of the blocks. He said: "I'm disappointed as I was the favourite to win but I lost the race. "I felt Gay coming on my shoulder and that's when I panicked. It slowed me down. "I made a big mistake and things like that do happen. I wouldn't say I cannot shine at the big occasions, it was just an unfortunate incident."
