Powell looks to light up Birmingham

Asafa Powell's first indoor season since 2004 will continue today at the Aviva Grand Prix, inside Birmingham's National Indoor Arena.

Powell, a former world record holder over 100m, will line up against World Championships 100m bronze medallist Kim Collins and home boy Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the 60m, as he continues his early preparation ahead of this summer's Olympic Games, not too far away, in London.

"It's an important year, a very important year," said Powell in an interview carried in the British media. "Whatever we need to do to get ready and get in shape, we'll be doing it. Definitely, I have to work harder."

not much to worry about

The big Jamaican has seen his stocks fall somewhat since Yohan Blake's 100m victory in Daegu - a race he missed because of injury, but as far as the MVP Track Club star is concerned, there isn't much for him to be worried about at this stage.

"People are still talking about me, but it's just another person (Blake) has been added to the table," said Powell. "It's no big deal for me. People will talk about me and always will.

"I'm kind of a laid-back person and I don't really let things affect me too much, so it didn't take very long to get over Daegu."

The meet will, however, be highlighted by the showdown between hurdlers Liu Xiang and Dayron Robles, their first meeting since the controversial 100m hurdles final at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

Robles, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder, crossed the line in first place at the World Championships but was soon afterwards disqualified for impeding Xiang during the race. The latter who later awarded the silver medal.

Robles is also focused on making an impact in London later this year and is using this meet to continue his preparations.

"This year is clearly important for me. I'm doing everything I can, both in and out of competition, to make sure that I'm competing at my best.

"I'm planning to run at the World Indoor Championships and, of course, I want to hold on to the Olympic title. We'll need to see what the other guys bring to the race."

Xiang, in the meantime, is looking to close the gap on Robles and American Davis Oliver.

"I hope the speed gap in the first half between Robles, Oliver and me can be shortened, and then my confidence will be strengthened in the outdoor races," said the Chinese athlete.