Powell wants doping ban cut

Lausanne - Former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell wants his 18-month doping ban reduced to three months, arguing that he only committed a minor offence.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) says it has received an appeal from the Jamaican sprinter, who has been suspended from competition since his doping case was disclosed last July.

Powell and three-time Olympic medalist Sherone Simpson tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrone at Jamaica's national trials last June. They were banned by a Jamaican disciplinary panel last month.

Simpson has also asked for her suspension to be cut to three months.

Once the top sprinter on the track, Powell lowered the world record in the 100m to 9.77 in 2005, then 9.74 in 2008 before being eclipsed by Usain Bolt.