Kingston (Jamaica): Jamaican Usain Bolt ran the second fastest 100 meters ever when he clocked 9.76 seconds at the Jamaican International Invitational on Saturday.
Bolt's time was just two hundredths of a second slower than the world record of 9.74 set last year by his compatriot Asafa Powell.
"It was a good time for me and I know that with a bit more work I can break the world record," Bolt, the world 200 meters silver medalist, said.
"I am just happy that I broke the meet and the stadium record (previously 9.84 held by Powell) before my home crowd and I know that they can look for better things from me this year," the 21-year-old Bolt added.
Bolt made a good start and left the field behind to come home ahead of American Darvis Patton in 10.08 and Antigua's Daniel Bailey in 10.12.
The wind assistance factor was timed at 1.8 seconds.
American Wallace Spearmon Jr., the world 200 meters bronze medalist, was clearly upset by two false starts and finished fifth in 10.13 seconds.
World 100 and 200 meters champion Tyson Gay ran his first 200 of the year and claimed victory in a season-leading 20.00 seconds.
"I felt good out there tonight and I am satisfied with the time," the American told reporters. "I know that a lot of people are used to me running 19 seconds plus, but I am still happy with 20 seconds."
Upset champion
Young American Bianca Knight ran a nippy 22.62 seconds to win the women's 200 meters and upset Jamaican Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, who finished second in 22.93.
"This victory just confirms to me that no matter how old I am and who is in the field, I can beat them," the 19-year-old Knight told reporters.
Campbell-Brown was disappointed.
"I would have liked to come out a winner, but she ran a good race," she said. "Despite the loss, I am still on track with my preparations for the Olympics", she said.
Olympic 400 meters favorite Sanya Richards looked impressive in winning the event in 50.60 seconds, well ahead of Jamaica's world silver medalist Novlene Williams in 51.63.
"I am satisfied with my performance and it was even more pleasing to me to perform in this manner in front of my home crowd", said Richards who was born in Jamaica but emigrated to the United States at age 12.
Jamaican Kerron Stewart ran a season-leading 10.96 seconds to win the women's 100 meters ahead of the American trio of Marshevet Hooker, Knight and Stephanie Durst.
Olympic champion Joanna Hayes took top spot in the women's 100 meters hurdles in 12.72 seconds ahead of Jamaica's Deloreen Ennis-London in 12.75. Antwon Hicks won the men's 110 meters hurdles in 13.21 seconds.
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