Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell stormed to 100m glory, clocking the second-fastest time of 2015 to ensure Usain Bolt was not missed at the Diamond League meet in Paris.

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The former 100m world record holder held his nerve to power through the line in 9.81 seconds with Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut equalling the European record of 9.86sec in second ahead of American Michael Rodgers (9.99).

American Justin Gatlin has run the fastest time of the year at 9.74.

“It was a great race and I got a good start,” beamed Powell. 

“I need to keep my focus and run fast like that. I saw Jimmy was close and I thought ‘wow’.”

Compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made it a double for Jamaica as the defending two-time Olympic 100m champion breezed to victory in the women’s race. 

Fraser-Pryce is not doubling up at the world championships in Beijing, saying her coach Stephen Francis wanted to regain her explosive start. But that certainly did not hinder her at the Stade de France as she blasted to an impressive victory in 10.75sec, ahead of Nigerian Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor (10.80) and American English Gardner (10.97).

“When you have good runners you always run fast,” said Fraser-Pryce. “That’s the motivation for me. But I have room to improve in my technique and in the start.”