Justin Gatlin: '9.6 seconds is possible in Beijing'

Justin Gatlin believes that he may be capable of getting within touching distance of the 100m world record at this summer's World Championships.

The American sprinter, who has twice served drugs bans, stormed to victory in Rome on Thursday night, and after registering a time of 9.75 seconds, the 2004 Olympic champion claimed that he can run close to the world record of 9.58 seconds which is currently held by Usain Bolt.

The 33-year-old is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "I am glad I had a good start and managed to execute the first 60 metres to be confident with the victory. 9.60 seconds should be possible in the summer."

France's Jimmy Vicaut crossed the line in second place, but he finished almost a quarter of a second adrift of Gatlin.