ROME (AP):

Usain Bolt is the main topic of discussion ahead of the Golden Gala, even though the Jamaican sprinter isn't competing in today's Golden League meet.

Bolt's two key rivals, former world record-holder Asafa Powell and world champion Tyson Gay, will go head-to-head in the 100 metres at the Stadio Olimpico before all three line up at the World Championships in Berlin next month.

"We've been talking about beating Usain since the Olympics," Powell said of Bolt's triple-gold and world record performances in the 100, 200m sprint relay.

"He ran 9.69, so it's going to take faster than 9.69 to beat him."

impressive

Bolt recorded an impressive 200-metre performance in the rain in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Tuesday, clocking 19.59 seconds, only one-hundredth of a second slower than what Gay ran in May with fair weather and a breeze at his back.

"I watched the race. It was pretty good considering the conditions - rain, wind in the face, the cold," Gay said yesterday. "He looked pretty good."

Bothered by a hamstring injury, Gay failed to advance out of the 100 semi-finals at last year's Olympics.

"I'm really looking forward to getting my season going and setting up for the world championships," the American said. "I'm 100 per cent healthy and give myself a 100 per cent chance of winning (in Berlin)."

Powell is still regaining his form from an early-season ankle injury and put his condition at "85 per cent."

Powell is attempting to become only the second man in history to post more than 50 sub-10 second results in the 100m. Maurice Greene of the United States tops the all-time list with 53.

"I'm not really focused on that right now," Powell said. "I just want to get back in shape, and if I'm under 10 seconds, great."