THIRTEEN Jamaicans will compete in Doha, Qatar, for the kick-off of the Diamond League, a 14-meeting series which will take place in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States today.

In the 100m, World Championship bronze medallist Asafa Powell will compete against three other countrymen, Nesta Carter, Lerone Clarke, and Michael Frater, who all sub 10-second sprinters.

American Travis Padgett and Trinidadian Darrel Brown, also sub-10 second runners, will also run the 100 metres.

Padgett won the race in Doha last year when it was the Super Grand Prix, clocking 10.00 seconds, ahead of Frater, 10.15 seconds,

On the Diamond League website, Powell said: “I’m in pretty good shape. This is my first real competition, so I have no idea what I can give but I will do my best.”

On the heat, he noted: “It is a bit hotter than in Jamaica but I think I can manage.”

Isa Phillips will line up in the 400m hurdles, facing world champion Kerron Clement and world championship bronze medallist Bershawn Jackson, both Americans.

Jamaica will also have a strong presence in the women’s 200m, led by Olympic bronze medallist Kerron Stewart, world champion finalist and comeback kid Anneisha McLaughlin, Olympic finalist Sherone Simpson, and Pan American Games bronze medallist Sheri-Ann Brooks.

In the women’s 400m, World Championship silver medallist Shericka Williams, world championship finalist Novlene Williams-Mills, and Christene Day will compete in a race which will also include American Allyson Felix and 2007 world champion Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain.

World Championship bronze medallist Delloreen Ennis-London will take on a strong field in the 100m hurdles, which will feature world championship silver medallist Priscilla Lopez-Schliep of Canada, Olympic champion Dawn Harper, the ever-present Lolo Jones and Virginia Powell of the USA, and Canadian Perdita Felicien, the 2007 World Championship silver medallist.