Jackson expecting Bolt success

Colin Jackson believes Usain Bolt, pictured, will regain his world 100m title
5 August 2013

Colin Jackson anticipates Usain Bolt will banish the disappointment of Daegu by dominating the 100 metres at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow this weekend.

Six-time Olympic champion Bolt was disqualified from the final for a false start in South Korea two years ago and will bid to reclaim the title he won in Berlin in 2009 on Sunday's second day of competition in Russia.

After American Tyson Gay - the fastest man in the world this year and silver medallist in Germany four years ago - tested positive for a banned substance earlier this summer, Jackson believes Bolt will face little competition for the title, particularly as defending champion Yohan Blake is out injured.

Asafa Powell, the bronze medallist in Berlin, is also absent for a failed test - both men are awaiting B sample results - as athletics again looks to Bolt to restore its credibility.

Jackson said: "He's the clear favourite to go out there and win back his 100m title that he lost the last time because of two false starts.

"Tyson Gay was the main man who was going to be capable of challenging Usain.

"Once his revelations came out it's frustrating for us all, because we've all felt like we've been slightly robbed of a great opportunity for a great head to head."

Jackson does not expect Bolt's world record of 9.58 seconds - set in winning in Berlin in 2009 - to be challenged.

"I don't think it will be necessary and I'm not sure if he'll have the same kind of motivation as he had before," Jackson added.

"What's important now for Usain is just to keep winning. The most important thing is to continue his global dominance."

Bolt was beaten at the Rome Diamond League event in June by Justin Gatlin, but Jackson dismissed the prospect of a repeat success for the American.

"I don't think that will happen," the former 110m hurdles world record-holder said. "Rome was a different kettle of fish. I think Usain is more than capable of running 9.70secs and if he runs that I don't think there's anybody capable of hanging with him."

Bolt, Gatlin, Nesta Carter, Powell and Gay are the only athletes this year to have run quicker than Britain's James Dasaolu.

The 25-year-old clocked 9.91secs in Birmingham last month.

Dwain Chambers, in 2009, was the last Briton to reach a World Championships 100m final, while the most recent medallist was Darren Campbell, who took bronze in 2003.

Jackson believes Dasaolu could reach the final in Moscow.

"This is a good opportunity," said Jackson, who will be part of the BBC Sport commentary team in Moscow.

"We've seen the great time posted by James, but we haven't seen him perform after that.

"He only really needs to produce a sub-10 at the semi-final stage. He's going to have to race the semis like he's never competed before."

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