PARIS, France:

Heavy lies the head that wears the crown, they say, but Asafa Powell doesn't seem to mind at all - he wants the crown!

With question marks surrounding sprint king Usain Bolt and an army of Americans led by Justin Gatlin ready to storm the throne at next month's World Championships in Beijing, Powell thinks he's the man to defend Jamaica's seven-year sprinting reign.

It's a challenge that Powell is relishing as he gears up for a 100m showdown against Nesta Carter, Mike Rodgers and Jimmy Vicaut at tomorrow's Meeting Areva Paris Diamond League, ahead of next week's clash with Gatlin and Tyson Gay in Lausanne.

"I think I'm the (country's) best chance heading into Beijing at this point," Powell told STAR Sports in Paris.

"I don't know what's going on with Usain (Bolt) but all the other (Jamaican) athletes would have to do something extraordinary for me to consider them to be going to China to compete for the gold medal."

Criticised in the past for not living up to expectations when it mattered and lacking the assurance and drive of his rivals, Powell is preaching a new sermon these days.

"I have been in the sport for a very long time and a lot of persons have doubted me, but I still remain strong and focused and continue to put in the work."

Unbeaten season

Only Gatlin has gone faster than Powell this year, with the Jamaican twice dropping 9.84 this season, unbeaten in his eight starts to date. The last time Powell went unbeaten in his first eight races of the season was in 2010.

"People overlook a lot of things, and consistency is one of the main things. Not many athletes have been in the sport for over 10 years and have managed to stay on top," Powell argued.

"The season has been going according to plan. I have been running well in these first few track meets and I think I would have gone faster if the conditions were great in all races," said Powell, whose 9.84 win in Jamaica last week was his fastest time ever at the National Senior Championships.