BEIJING, Olympics (CMC):

Former 100 metres world-record holder Asafa Powell said yesterday he was upbeat about his chances of winning the event at 29th Olympiad here.

Earlier this year, Powell lost his world record to fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt and with it, the tag of number one favourite to win the Olympic 100-metre but he said he was confident of springing a surprise.

"Yes, that is the way to go. Confidence, and plus I've been working on other things and I'm very confident I can bring it (gold medal) home," the 25-year-old told CMC Sports.

He beat Bolt in Sweden recently and ran a season's best 9.82 seconds in winning in Monaco. He claims these performances went exactly according to his plan of building up for the Games.

"Well, that was the plan, to really try and post a time before the Olympic Games and I did that and I'm very happy. I know that I'm in good shape now," said Powell.

Powell, who has never won gold at a major championship, said he would add the finishing touches as the track-and-field segment approached.

"Well, it's a good feeling, but it's not the same until you go on to the track. I'm just waiting until I go on the track," he said. "Between now and then, I'll just be practising, staying focused and taking it one day at a time."