Asafa Powell - ap

FOLLOWING the recent obliteration of the 100m world record by Jamaican Asafa Powell, former British sprinter Dwain Chambers says he expects the world record to go as low as a staggering 9.64s.

Powell, 24, lowered the record from 9.77s to an astonishing 9.74s at a low key meeting in Italy. The Commonwealth champion was still smarting from his poor performance in the World Championships where he finished in third place and his record run went some way to affirming that he is the man to beat.

Critics, however, have pointed to Powell's lack of ability to execute his race when it really matters.

Having choked in the 100m final 2004 Athens Olympics where he was edged out of the medals, many thought that following on from his 2006 Commonwealth success he would finally step up and win gold.

Vital elements

Chambers believes that Powell does have the tools to deliver in a big race and, more emphatically, he could lower the record again.

He told the Voice of Sport: "I always knew he was more than capable but I didn't think he would do it like that, I mean he ran two 9.7-second runs in the space of a couple hours."

"It's good to see he is capable of breaking the record and running so fast but it will be disappointing for him not to have done a couple of weeks ago." he said.

"I think he has all the vital elements to win big races but maybe he hung the gold medal around his neck a little too early. He was the favourite and looked good through the rounds but come the final, Gay relaxed and Powell didn't. When he is relaxed we've just seen what the man can do." he added.

Asked what the record could be lowered to in the future Chambers is unequivocal in his answer.

He said: "No doubt about it 9.65, 9.64s is very possible. It can definitely go there."

Reprinted from The Voice, a subsidiary of The Gleaner Company Ltd.