Laussane, June 10 (IANS): The world’s three fastest men are set to race each other in a highly anticipated show down in 100 metres at the Athletissima Diamond League meeting.

Sprint star Usain Bolt is also down to compete in the event next month and has opted to run the half lap. But Americans Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay and Jamaica’s Asafa Powell are entered for the same race on July 9, reports CMC.

Powell has clocked 9.84 seconds this year and Gay's season best is 9.88. Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist, ran a world-leading 9.74 at the opening Diamond League meet last month in Doha.

The prospect of such an appealing match-up is expected to capture the imagination of athletics fans around the world, especially ahead of the Beijing World Championships in August.

Despite his decision to run the 200m, Bolt, the world-record holder and two-time Olympic champion in 100m, is expected to be a major attraction at the meet.