Powell breaks own 100-meter record

RIETI, Italy -- Asafa Powell bettered his world record in the 100 meters Sunday, running 9.74 seconds at the Rieti Grand Prix.

The Jamaican set the mark in the second of two heats to reach the 100 final.

"That's what happens when I start to listen to the coach," said Powell, who appeared to ease up before the finish line.

Powell lowered the mark by 0.03 seconds, having run 9.77 three times.

The heat was run with a strong tail wind, but it was below the maximum allowed by the IAAF, making the record valid.

In the final, Powell won in 9.78. Michael Frater of Jamaica was second in 10.03, followed by Jaysuma Saidy Ndure of Norway in 10.10.

In the heat, Ndure was second to Powell in 10.07, and Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis was third in 10.14.

Rieti is known for a fast track on which six middle-distance world records have been set.

­-- AP