Powell's effort in the Stade de la Pontaise was 0.01 faster than that recorded last month by America's former world champion Tyson Gay, who failed to qualify for the event.

It was also 0.13 faster than Bolt, the world record holder, has managed so far this season.

The former world record holder won easily in Lausanne, with fellow Jamaican Michael Frater second in a personal best of 9.88, and France's European champion Christophe Lemaitre third in a time of 9.95sec, which equalled his personal best.

Another Jamaican, Nesta Carter, was fourth in 9.99, the same time recorded by Jaysuma Saidy Ndure, who thus became Norway's first sub-10 sprinter.

"Now for the moment I'm the best," said Powell.

"I'm in a good mood for Daegu."

Meanwhile Lemaitre's 21-year-old fellow countryman Teddy Tamgho was staking his own claim to world gold as he won with a world-leading triple jump of 17.91 metres, with Britain's current world champion, Phillips Idowu, unable to muster more than 17.52.

"I'm ready to break the world record, but the way is long," said Tamgho.

"I still have a lot of work to do."

Dai Greene did provide Britain with a victory on the night in the 400m hurdles, where he defeated world champion Kerron Clement of the United States, finishing 0.32 clear in 48.41.

Kenya's David Rudisha, who twice broke the world 800m record last year, ran his first Diamond League race of the season following injury and won with ease in 1min 44.15sec.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]