Asafa Powell dominates 100-meter heats with Usain Bolt absent

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Former 100-meter world record-holder Asafa Powell dominated heats in the men’s 100 meters at Jamaica’s trials by recording a time of 9.98 on Thursday.

Sprinters Kemar Bailey-Cole and Andrew Fisher both clocked 10.05. Yohan Blake finished with 10.24 after a poor start.

The semi-finals and the final will take place on Friday.

Usain Bolt’s name was removed from the list of entries for the Jamaica meet. His agent, Ricky Simms, says Bolt’s coach apparently “preferred him to train” ahead of Diamond League meets in July.

Bolt already has a berth secured in August’s world championships in China.

The Associated Press contributed to this repor