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Bolt is my enemy - Powell

Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt should meet in the 100 metres final on Sunday © PA Photos

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Asafa Powell insists he has no reason to fear Usain Bolt as the pair prepare to do battle in the 100 metres at the World Championships in South Korea.

Powell has recorded the fastest time in the world this year, clocking 9.78 seconds - a tenth of a second quicker than anything Bolt has managed during 2011.

"I am the No. 1 sprinter right now, I've got the fastest times this year, I would say I am the man to beat," Powell told the Daily Mail.

Ahead of Sunday's sprint showdown with his countryman, Powell is adamant that he is over the fitness problems that caused him to withdraw from the Aviva Grand Prix at Crystal Palace. "I haven't been to a major championship feeling 100% good before, and hopefully that's going to happen this time," he said.

Despite outperforming Bolt this year, Powell has not been elevated to the same level of super-stardom that his rival has enjoyed ever since he tore up the record books at the Beijing Games in 2008.

Asked if he minds Bolt overshadowing him, Powell said: "No, I don't because I'm a professional athlete and I appreciate the benefits that Usain has brought to track and field. He has made it more exciting and brought a lot more interest. We are friends off the track and enemies when we are competing.

"I think we are more comfortable with each other around because I'm a bit of a clown, and I think he finds me relaxing while I like having someone laugh at my jokes. He's not intimidating to me because I know him as a person.

"I am not intimidated easily but being on the start line, some of the smaller guys might be, and they'll wonder if they can ever beat him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.