'Ver', Powell ready for Reebok

TWO-TIME Olympic 200 metres champion Veronica Campbell-Brown and Asafa Powell, the former world 100 metres record holder, yesterday declared themselves fit and ready for tomorrow's Reebok Grand Prix in New York.

Powell, who pulled up with an ankle injury at the Penn Relays on April 25, which forced him to miss the Super Grand Prix in Doha, was quick to dismiss any concerns around his fitness.

"Everything is going smooth so far. I had an ankle injury ... but I'm back and I'm ready to run," he said at a press conference in New York yesterday.

Powell should start favourite for the 100m but will be challenged by two Americans, Darvis Patton and Travis Padgett, and the fastest man so far in 2009 at 9.99, Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda.

Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Winston Barnes, Yohan Blake and Steve Mullings are other Jamaicans listed for the 100m to be divided into two races.

Another showdown

Campbell-Brown, on the other hand, will have another showdown against former world 100m champion, American Lauryn Williams.

Campbell-Brown, who won 15 of 18 meetings between the two, is again ready for the challenge.

"Lauryn has always been a great competitor over the years, and one of my favourites I must say. Whenever you are in a race, there are certain people you have to be ready for. Rivalries are good for the sport because they help you push each other," Campbell-Brown said at yesterday's press conference.

Tomorrow's race will be Campbell-Brown's second this season. She has been hampered by a toe injury which forced her to miss the May 2 Jamaica International Invitational meet. She, however, warmed up at a small meet in Florida last weekend with a 10.81, backed by a 3.2 supporting wind.

Staying positive

Campbell-Brown, who said the injured toe is "healing well", added: "I am staying positive and focused on the race this weekend. I will do my best and do my job."

Americans Torri Edwards and Muna Lee, the fastest and fourth-fastest women of 2008, respectively, are also in the field.

Aleen Bailey, Sheri-Ann Brooks and Schillonie Calvert are the other Jamaicans in the women's 100m field.

Simone Facey will face Americans Bianca Knight, Shalonda Solomon and Williams in the women's 200m, while Chris Williams, the 2001 World Championships silver medallist, will face Tyson Gay in the men's event.

Ricardo Chambers and Sanjay Ayre will carry Jamaica's flag in the men's 400m against American Lashawn Merritt and Bahamian Chris Brown.

Kenia Sinclair will contest the women's 800 and Jovanee Jarrett the long jump.