Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Powell promises to make up for Yokohama false start

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

by: Gary Smith
Caribbean Net News Sports Correspondent
Email: gary@caribbeannetnews.com

YOKOHAMA, Japan: Following a disappointing final race to in what was an exceptional season leading up to the finale, Jamaican world record holder Asafa Powell has vowed to make up for false-starting out of the 2006 Super Meet in Yokohama on Sunday.

Powell, 23, was disqualified for jumping the gun in the men's 100-metres dash, which left a small buzz in the stands until home crowd favourite Shingo Suetsugu got to the line first in one of the most anticipated races at the one day meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the race, Powell said he tried to stay calm after Russian European championships silver medallist, Andrey Yepishin, was called for the first false start, but on what he said seemed to be a fast track and with him still vying for the world mark again, he got a little anxious.

"I guess I was a little bit too anxious," said Powell, who clocked the world record of 9.77 seconds twice this season. "I never thought this would happen. It makes me a little upset but that's how it goes."

The Jamaican 2006 Commonwealth Games champion was making his first appearance in Japan and promised to compensate at next year's IAAF World Championships in Osaka.

"Next year I have a second chance to run in Japan so I will make sure I'm in very good shape and will run fast," said Powell.

"Now I'll get some rest and prepare well for next year."

Suetsugu went on to win the race in a wind-aided 10.12 seconds, but said afterwards that he was disappointed at not being able to race against the world record holder on his home soil.

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