Greene expects to hold world record again

RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan 25 (Reuters) Maurice Greene expects to regain the 100 metres world record before the end of 2007, the sprinter told Reuters today.

''I know I am (going to be),'' the 32-year-old said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles.

''I know I have not done the best I can do,'' added Greene, who grabbed the world record with a 9.79-second clocking at Athens in 1999.

Jamaican Asafa Powell lowered the mark to 9.77 seconds in 2005 and twice equalled the standard last year.

Injuries sidelined Greene for most of 2006.

He will race for the first time in 10 months on Feb. 2 when he competes over 60 metres in the 100th anniversary Millrose Games at New York's Madison Square Garden.

''I know this year is going to be one of the best years I've had,'' he said.

For anyone who thinks that's just an ageing sprinter talking, just wait, Greene said.

''I'll show them what I am talking about,'' he said.

The focus will be on regaining the world record and winning the 100 metres at Osaka's world championships in August.

''Millrose will probably be the only indoor race,'' said Greene.

''The most important thing is the world championships this year, and I expect to win that.'' He holds the 60 metres world record at 6.39 seconds, but the talkative Greene would not predict a time for Millrose since he just started speed work last week.

''I am going to win, that's all I care about,'' he said. ''(But) I will make it special.'' Reuters PM DB0934