Visa problem slows Powell's arrival

World 100 metres record holder Asafa Powell's arrival in Japan for the World Championships has been delayed by visa problems, his manager said yesterday. Powell and several Jamaican team-mates were unable to obtain visas from the Japanese consulate in Milan earlier this week but the problem was resolved yesterday, Paul Doyle told Reuters.

"I just received a text message that everyone is good to go," Doyle said. "They have their visas."

Powell will now fly to Japan on Monday to begin final training for the Aug. 25-Sept. 2 championships in Osaka, Doyle said. He had originally planned to travel yesterday or today.

The delay should not affect Powell's preparations for the highly anticipated 100 metres showdown in Osaka with American double sprint champion Tyson Gay, Doyle said.

"If anything it is going to give him a little bit more time back at the base to train," Doyle said, referring to Powell's summer base in Lignano, Italy.

Doyle said the visa problems appeared to have been the result of a lack of communication between the Jamaican athletics federation and the Osaka organising committee.