Powell equals second fastest 100 meters time

By Mark Ledsom

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Former world record holder Asafa Powell equaled the second fastest time ever over 100 meters when he clocked 9.72 seconds at the Lausanne grand prix on Tuesday.

The Jamaican, who finished a disappointing fifth in the Beijing Olympics final, equaled the mark set by compatriot Usain Bolt in New York City this year.

Bolt reduced his own mark to 9.69 seconds in the Olympic final and also set a world record in the 200 meters. He was a member with Powell of the Jamaican quartet who set a world record in the 4x100 meters relay final.

On Tuesday Bolt cruised to victory over the 200 in 19.63 seconds.

"After all my problems this year I'm satisfied with my performance tonight," said Powell after racing away from a strong field comprising all of the Beijing finalists except for Bolt.

"It's also great to set a new personal record."

Making the fastest start out of the blocks, Powell finished 0.2 of a second clear of Olympic bronze medalist Walter Dix of the United States with Jamaica's Nesta Carter taking third place, a further 0.06 seconds back.

BOLT CRUISES

Victory in the 200 meters was never in doubt for Bolt who finished more than half a second clear of runner-up Churandy Martina.

While Powell was greeted to rapturous applause by the Lausanne crowd, Bolt, though, heard the rare sound of jeers from the spectators after slowing up in the final meters.

"It was a good time," Bolt told reporters after matching Xavier Carter's 2006 Lausanne track record. "But I've made history now so a lot of people are looking to me for big times and great things.

"I'm always going out to do my best but it's been a long season and I trailed off tonight because I want to stay injury-free right the way to the season end.

"I'm happy for Asafa tonight. He has always been there, but he's looking pretty good now. There are a lot of guys to think about in the 100 meters."

JAMAICAN NIGHT

Powell and Bolt were among six Jamaicans celebrating on Tuesday as the country's athletes won all but two of the sprint events.