Justin Gatlin fastest at U.S. trials

Gatlin, who has twice been banned for doping violations, clocked a quick 19.92 seconds as he began his bid for a spot on the U.S. team, and a chance to face world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica in both the 200 and 100 in Beijing in August.

His time was the fourth fastest 200m time ever in a first round, according to USA Track & Field.

"It's a little hot out here," the 33-year-old Gatlin said. "My coach said to take it easy through the rounds. It felt comfortable

"I didn't know what I was running," the year's fastest man said when chided by fellow competitor Wallace Spearmon for running so fast so early.

Isiah Young also dipped under 20 seconds, clocking 19.99.

Gatlin has a bye for Beijing in the 100 and did not run the event in Eugene.

But talk quickly turned to that race, where the U.S. will send a team of Gatlin, Tyson Gay, Trayvon Bromell and Mike Rodgers to the world championships.

"I knew what Tyson had up his sleeve," Gatlin said of the new U.S. champion. "He's a second phase runner.

"Bromell (is) looking really sharp and Mike Rodgers is a veteran. It is going to be hard to beat those guys."

But he would not go so far as to predict an American sweep.

Gatlin said his emphasis this season, along with the world championships, is breaking Gay's American 100 metres record of 9.69 seconds from 2009.

"That's what I been working on," said the sprinter, who has a personal best of 9.74 seconds, set this year.

"But I have got a long season."

British great John Regis believes that Gatlin can beat Usain Bolt’s 100 metres world record at this summer’s World Championships.

“He could break the world record in Beijing. If he’s running 9.74 seconds this early in the season, he must be capable of 9.5,” Regis told the Telegraph.

When asked about that prospect, Gatlin said: “For John, I have a lot of respect, the times he’s run back in his day.

“So I hope to live up to what he says and I’m very honoured.”