HAVING set a world leading time of 9.83 seconds for the 100 metres, Asafa Powell today went 0.01 quicker to win the event at the Rome Diamond League meet.

Compatriots Lerone Clarke and Mario Forsythe came fourth and fifth respectively, with times of 10.19 and 10.25.

With Usain Bolt out injured Powell has dominated the 100 metres this year. He has won both his Diamond League outings – wind assisted 9.75 and 9.81 runs in Doha, and more recently 9.72 (+2.1) in Oslo.

His previously world leading time 9.83, was run despite wet conditions in Ostrava.

“I’m just very excited about the way the season is going now,” he said yesterday. “In my last race in Oslo, I had a sore groin and hamstring but the time was still very fast. I think as the season goes on I will continue to run faster and faster.

However, Jamaica’s women sprinters fared less well in the event earlier today. Shelly-Ann Fraser was disqualified for false-starting while Aleen Bailey finished sixth, although in a season’s best time of 11.40.