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Can Jamaica dominate the men's sprint division and withstand the might of the Americans in the 100m? In any other era the US ace sprinter Tyson Gay would have been a world-beater, but he's been unfortunate to come up against both Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the planet, and Asafa Powell, fastest in the world this year. The US, however ,have a second string to their bow in the very talented Mike Rodgers. But the question remains: can Gay and Rodgers dethrone Bolt and Powell?

In the women's sprints the US undoutedly has the edge over Jamaica as speedsters Carmelita Jeter and Marshevet Myers have both had excellent seasons. Jeter may be approaching veteran status but she retains her form and Snickers-loving Myers, like Rodgers, is a name for the future and certainly another one to watch in Daegu.

Elsewhere, Ethiopia and Kenya continue their battle for world dominance in the distance events. However, Mo Farah may continue the good work he's put in this year by laying claim gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m. Farah will certainly start as favourite, but he'll have no easy task against the Africans. Even in the women's distance events, which have long been dominated by African athletes, there's a feeling that this time around there could be a turn up for the books. Both American Shalane Flanagan and Japan's Kayoko Fukushi are expected to challenge for gold, particularly in the 10k.

Phillips Idowu is ranked only fifth in the world this year in the triple jump, but this big occasion jumper has had his task made much easier by the absence through injury of Teddy Tangho. Idowu, however, won't be given an easy ride with the likes of Ukrainian Sheryf El-Sheryf and Cuban Alexis Copello lining up in an enthralling event.

Tall and sultry Blanka Vlasic is a real crowd pleaser with her exotic victory dances and the Croatian will take a lot of beating in the women's high jump. Vlasic is a most consistent jumper and that consistency should see her grab gold at the main expense of the Russian Anna Chicerova and Italy's Antonietta di Martino in what should be another 'must see' occasion.

Jess Ennis in the Heptathlon, Australia's Sally Pearson in the 100m Hurdles, Renaud Lavillenie in the Pole Vault and shot putter Valerie Adams all appear to be banker bets for the Daegu. The show hits the road on Saturday August 27 with the women's marathon final.

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