Jamaican Asafa Powell sent out a warning to Usain Bolt and his other world title rivals by blasting to the fourth-fastest 100m ever run at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne last night.

Powell, who had already timed 9.72sec on the same track in 2008, clocked a world lead time of 9.78sec. Only Usain Bolt and American Tyson Gay have run faster, while Jamaican Nesta Carter has also run 9.78.

Victory for Powell, the former world record holder, was never in doubt in blowy conditions.

The 29-year-old was smoothly out of the blocks and powered ahead of the field, keeping his lead comfortably through to the line.

'The weather wasn't perfect. It was a good race, a bit cold,' said Powell. 'I managed to push my way through.

'I had a good time today: anything below 9.8sec is really good. And it's only the second race of the season, so the future can only get better as the season progresses.

'My goal is to keep training hard and run faster.'

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

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