EARLY SHOWDOWN

Gatlin and De Grasse ready for today’s clash

DOHA Usain Bolt in his international farewell, but for now battle commences in Doha.

Canadian De Grasse, 22, is Bolt’s heir apparent and has already said that he wants to “spoil” the legendary’s Jamaican’s goodbye to athletics.

De Grasse also claimed silver to Bolt in the 200m in Rio.

The controversial Gatlin, 35, has already struck an early season blow, anchoring his American team to victory at the IAAF World Relays in Nassau last month, De Grasse’s Canada bombing out in the final.

The pair will be joined in Doha by another former Jamaican 100m world record holder — and last year’s Diamond League winner — the evergreen Asafa Powell and yet another rising star, Akani Simbine.

The South African, 23, ran 9.92s in March, the second fastest time of the year so far.

His early season form has been