Former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, of Jamaica, has predicted a humdinger of a fast sprint season, adding that he himself wanted to do something that "will open people's eyes".

Powell, twice a world championship bronze medallist over 100m but long eclipsed by compatriot Usain Bolt, will be making his first major appearance of the season at the season-opening Diamond League meet in Doha today.

And, free of injury, the Jamaican expects to put down an impressive marker in what could be an entertaining season that sees him race three times against Bolt and Tyson Gay.

Bolt, the reigning double world and Olympic sprint champion and world record holder in both the 100 and 200m, has already this season notched up a fourth fastest ever time of 19.56sec for the 200m while Gay has run a sub-45sec 400m.

"This is my first event, and I want to do something that will open people's eyes," Powell said, adding that the fact there was no major championship this summer could add up to making for fast times.

"When there are no Olympics or world championships you can race more often," he said.

"Everyone is ready to run fast in every race. They are all trying to do something spectacular in every meeting.

"There's not the stress either. You can go to a meeting, do your best to try and make some money and then go home."

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