Finishing a whopping .33 seconds back was runner-up Trindon Holliday, a sophomore at LSU whose rise this season has been quite remarkable as well. The 21-year-old began the season with a modest 10.47 career best, but burst onto the scene with a 10.08 victory at the SEC championships before finishing second to Walter Dix at the NCAA Championships.
"It feels good competing with the big guys," said Holliday, who has yet to decide if he'll compete in Osaka. "I'll make a decision when I get back (to LSU) after I talk to my coaches."
Dix finished third (10.09) but indicated repeatedly over the past few days that he would not accept his team spot for the World Championships.
When Gay and Powell will meet for the first time in the 100 is yet to be decided but his performance bodes well as the two pursue Powell's 9.77 world record. With his win yesterday, Gay broke the meet record of 9.90 shared by Leroy Burrell and Maurice Greene, both former world record holders. Gay returns to action today in the opening round of the 200, perhaps the most eagerly anticipated event of these championships.
EDWARDS ON A ROLL
World leader Torri Edwards is on a tear thus far this year as well. The fastest in the world with a 10.90 from last month's adidas Track Classic in Carson, Calif., the 30-year-old dominated the field to win in 11.02, well ahead of reigning world champion Lauryn Williams, who clocked 11.16 to edge Carmelinta Jeter (11.17) who was third. Allyson Felix, the world 200m champion, was fourth in 11.25, and makes the US team as well since Williams has a bye for Osaka.
"This means so much to me," said Edwards, who was elevated to 2003 world champion following the disqualification of Kelli White in the wake of the Balco scandal. Edwards was second at the 2004 Olympic Trials but was later disqualified and suspended for a year for a stimulant violation. "What will mean more to me," said Edwards, "is winning the World Championships."
LAGAT, FLANAGAN TAKE 5000 CROWNS
On a busy slate of finals, few surprises emerged. Bernard Lagat defended his 5000m title in a mad dash over Matt Tegenkamp, 13:30.73 to 13:31.31, with Adam Goucher third in 13:31.50.
"I knew the race would develop toward the end and I was confident in the last 400m," said Lagat, who earlier in the day advanced easily in the 1500 where he is also the defending champion. "I knew I was going to have to run fast in the last lap."
National record holder Shalane Flanagan ran away with the 5000m title in 14:51.75, the fourth fastest time ever by an American. Two-time Olympian Jen Rhines was second in 15:08.53, with NCAA champion Michelle Sikes third in 15:09.28, just off the IAAF 'A' standard of 15:08.70.
Two-time defending world champion Dwight Phillips turned in a solid performance in the long jump, reaching a wind-assisted 8.36/27-5.25. 2005 champion Miguel Pate was second (8.24m/27-00.5), with Trevell Quinley third at the same distance.
The pole vault collected its toll of high profile casualties. Reigning world silver medallist Brad Walker took the win with a 5.70 leap, ahead of Jeff Hartwig and Jacob Pauli, who each managed the height as well. Staying home from Osaka will be Tim Mack and Toby Stevenson, reigning Olympic gold and silver medallists, who finished equal fourth and sixth respectively, with 5.60 and 5.50 clearances.
A PAIR OF WORLD LEADERS SEMIS
With a sub-24 second first half, Sanya Richards cruised to a world-leading 50.02 in her semi of the women's 400, the fastest in the world this year. In the men's 400m hurdles semis, Michael Tinsley lowered his career best to 48.02, also the fastest in the world thus far in 2007.
Elsewhere, 2003 world champion Tom Pappas leads the decathlon with a first day 4394 point tally.
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