Gatlin runs 9.88 seconds to outperform Powell

EUGENE, Oregon, May 29 (Reuters) Olympic champion Justin Gatlin clocked 9.88 seconds to outperform joint world record holder Asafa Powell in their separate 100 metres races at the Prefontaine Classic.

Gatlin, running in the first section, used his powerful acceleration about 40 metres into the race to win convincingly.

Powell easily won the second section but his wind-assisted performance of 9.93 seconds was far off the pace set by Gatlin.

The Jamaican slowed noticeably in the closing metres but said later he was not injured.

REUTERS VJ RN0511