World Athletics 2011: Asafa Powell pulls out of 100m
Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell has pulled out of the World Championships 100m in Daegu after failing to overcome a groin injury, according to his agent.
The 28-year-old was expected to challenge world champion Usain Bolt, but has failed to shake off a problem he suffered earlier in August.
Powell's withdrawal marks a blow to the men's sprints, with American Tyson Gay also missing with a hip injury.
The Jamaican team would not confirm that Powell would miss the race.
Team leader Grace Jackson said a "technical meeting" was taking place.
But Powell's agent Paul Doyle told the BBC that despite his injury, he could be fit for the 4x100m relay on 4 September.
Team-mate Michael Frater will replace the former world record holder, who did not compete at the Diamond League meeting at Crystal Palace on 6 August because of the same issue.A statement from Doyle read: "Asafa Powell has officially withdrawn from the 100m event in Daegu citing a continued groin strain. Powell suffered a groin strain in Budapest on July 30 and has had recurring tightness and pain ever since.
"After Budapest, Asafa missed eight days of training before he could attempt to sprint again. When he returned to the track he was able to sprint but it caused the groin to flare up.
"He has received all sorts of treatments over the past two weeks in the hope of being prepared to run the 100m here in Daegu but on Thursday Asafa made the final decision not to run. He feels he would not be at 100% and may have trouble coming back after each round.
"Asafa is very disappointed to say the least. He was really hoping to be able to run in what was going to be one of the most anticipated races of the championships. He is still optimistic to be able to run the relay."
Powell clocked the fastest 100m time in the world this year - 9.78 seconds at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne in June.
And although British sprinter Dwain Chambers has insisted Bolt is beatable, the development almost gives the world record holder and Olympic champion a free run at the 100m and 200m titles.
When told of the news, Bolt said: "Asafa's out? That's the first I heard of it."
The 100m heats begin on Saturday in South Korea, with the final on Sunday, while the 200m starts on Thursday 1 September.
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