Jamaican Usain Bolt ran the second fastest 100 metres ever when he clocked 9.76 seconds at the Jamaican International Invitational in Kingston last weekend.

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 metres silver medallist, told reporters.

"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 metres bronze medallist, was clearly upset by two false starts and finished fifth in 10.13 seconds.

World 100 and 200 metres 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."

Young American Bianca Knight ran a nippy 22.62 seconds to win the women's 200 metres 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.