DOHA, Qatar -- Justin Gatlin nipped Jamaica's Asafa Powell at the line to win the 100 metres in a time of 9.87 seconds at the season-opening Diamond League meet in Doha on Friday.
Powell got off to the faster start but Gatlin pulled even and then managed to get his head in front as they crossed the line.
Gatlin tied Powell's world record in Doha six years ago only to see the result erased when he was caught doping a few weeks later. Gatlin had tested positive for excessive levels of testosterone, which led to a four-year ban.
Gatlin and Powell are both gearing up for the London Olympics. Olympic champion Usain Bolt skipped the meet, as did Tyson Gay of the United States who is recovering from injury.
