Aziz Beat Olympic Champion, But ....

LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- Aziz Zakari beat Olympic champion Justin Gatlin, but was second to Ronald Pognon of France in the men's 100 meters at the Athletissima Grand Prix track meet.

Pognon won in 9.99 -- the first time he has run under 10 seconds. Aziz Zakari of Ghana was second in 10.02 and Gatlin, the Olympic gold medalist, was third in 10.03.

"My left leg felt a little tight," Gatlin said.

Gatlin is scheduled to run in a highly anticipated showdown with world record holder Asafa Powell in the Golden League meet in Rome on Friday.

"I'm looking forward to racing him," Gatlin said. "Everybody sees Asafa Powell as the major contender for the world championships. I see 9.76 both as an objective and dream this season. And if not this season, it'll be next season."

Powell was watching the race from the stands after being forced to pull out because of an unspecified small injury, but said he would be ready to race Gatlin and the others in Rome.

"I'm fine. I'm ready for Rome. I don't have to win but I'll try," Powell told The Associated Press. "I'm looking forward to Helsinki. I feel quite confident, I think I'll win."