Gatlin beats Powell, Gay in 9.88s for 100m gold

American sprinter Justin Gatlin won the 100 metres event at the Prefontaine Classic, leading from start to finish, ahead of rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay

Salem (Oregon): American sprinter Justin Gatlin won the 100 metres event at the Prefontaine Classic, leading from start to finish, ahead of rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay.

USA's Justin Gatlin (right) wins the men's 100m gold ahead of Tyson Gay (left) and Asafa Powell at the Prefontaine Classic. Pic/AFP

Gatlin clocked the fastest time of the year, a wind-assisted 9.88 seconds, at Eugene's Hayward Field on Saturday.

Gatlin showed he is peaking up ahead of the Rio Olympics, beating Jamaican Asafa Powell and American Tyson Gay.

Gatlin is the 2004 Olympic champion who was banned for doping between 2006 and 2010.

Former world record holder Powell finished second at 9.

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