Gatlin edges Powell after running 9.87

Justin Gatlin ran the 100 metres in 9.87 seconds in Doha yesterday (Getty Images)

Justin Gatlin beat Jamaica's Asafa Powell on the line to win the 100m in a time of 9.87 seconds at the season-opening Diamond League meet in Doha yesterday.

Powell got off to the faster start but the American pulled level and then managed to get his head in front as they crossed the line.

Gatlin tied Powell's world record in Doha six years ago, only to see the result erased when he was caught doping a few weeks later. Gatlin had tested positive for excessive levels of testosterone, which led to a four-year ban.

Gatlin and Powell are both gearing up for the London Olympics. Olympic champion Usain Bolt skipped the meeting, as did America's Tyson Gay.

Australia's Olympic pole vault champion, Steve Hooker, yesterday qualified for London 2012, at a specially sanctioned event in an abandoned warehouse in Perth, Australia.