Powell pulls out of Athens sprint

Athletics: World-record holder Asafa Powell has pulled out of the 100m sprint in this weekend's lucrative IAAF World Cup final…

Athletics: World-record holder Asafa Powell has pulled out of the 100m sprint in this weekend's lucrative IAAF World Cup final in Athens.

The Jamaican's manager Paul Doyle revealed the decision was made by the sprinter's coach, Stephen Francis.

However, Powell — who has dipped under 10 seconds on 12 occasions this season — will still compete in the 4x100m relay.

Britain's Commonwealth 5000metres silver medallist Jo Pavey has also been forced to withdraw through injury.

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The 32-year-old, who has had a heavy racing schedule in the past few weeks, sustained a calf muscle problem when competing at the World Athletics final in Stuttgart on Sunday.

The Exeter Harrier was scheduled to run over 3000metres in the Greek capital, but has decided to forgo a possible share of the massive $3million on offer.

Her decision means European 800m bronze medallist Becky Lyne will be the sole British representative in Team Europe at the four-yearly competition.