Korea and Japan - who will be there at 100m?

Asafa Powell has been on a roll and with the exception of Osaka seems unable to put a foot wrong.

Tyson Gay has been on a rest and with the exception of Osaka seems to be happy to duck Powell ... and who wouldn't in his position?

The World Champion, just beaten by friend Spearmon over 100m in Shanghai, would not be doing himself any justice on current form by racing Powell over any distance. His image is that of a double winner and a crushing blow by Powell would add nothing to his year of enhance his Beijing golden hopes ... a year which has by any measure been a stunning one peaking just at the right time both mentally and physically.

Powell on the other hand could easily take a couple of hits now (not that he is likely to) as he has done nothing recently but demonstrate his claim to World #1 status time and time again.

It would be great to see the two face off and close out the season in full flight in Japan or Korea : however based on Shanghail on Friday it appears increasingly unlikely.