Asafa Powell wins in world leading time

Jamaican track superstar Asafa Powell ran the fastest 100 metres in the World this year at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland today.



Powell established himself as a serious challenger for fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt at the World Championships later this year, clocking 9.78 seconds.



Only Bolt, the world record holder and American Tyson Gay have run faster, while Jamaican Nesta Carter has also run 9.78.



Compatriot Michael Frater, who missed out on selection for an individual 100 metre spot for Jamaica at the August 27 to September 4 world championships in Daegu, South Korea, was second with a personal best of 9.88.

French sprinting hope Christophe Lemaitre, the European champion, clawed his way back to third in a national record-equalling 9.95, while Carter and Norwegian Jaysuma Saidy Ndure both timed 9.99.



National record holder Jermaine Gonzales handed Jamaica another victory at the meet by winning the men’s 400 metres in 45.27.



In the women’s equivalent, Jamaican Novlene Williams-Mills finished sixth in 51.73 seconds to Amantle Montsho of Botswana, who won in 50.23. Shericka Williams of Jamaica was seventh in 51.86.



Dwight Thomas, another Jamaican national record holder, had to settle for second in the men’s 110-metre hurdles in 13.16. Cuban Dayron Robles won the event in 13.12 seconds.



In the women’s 100-metre hurdles, Delloreen Ennis-London finished eighth and last in 13.58 seconds to Australian winner Sally Pearson, who clocked 12.47 seconds.