Powell sets early pace at League opening

The Jamaican former world record holder, running his first 100m of the season, recorded the time in his heat before winning the final in a windy 9.81sec at the inaugural meeting in the series at the Qatar Sports Club.

Great Britain's Christine Ohuruogu, though, was beaten into fifth in the 400m as American three-time world 200m champion Allyson Felix took the win in a world-leading 50.15sec.

Powell was one of five to go under the 10sec mark in the final, which was helped by a following wind of 2.3m per second. Another Jamaican, Nesta Carter, was second in 9.88 and American Travis Padgett third in 9.92.

Jamaica's strength in depth in the event was clear as two more of Powell's compatriots, Michael Frater and Lerone Clarke, were fourth and fifth in 9.94 and 9.98 respectively.

Powell said: "I'm satisfied. It's the first race for the season and I ran 9.75 and 9.81.

"I've never opened so well in my entire career so I'm happy. I said I wanted to open people's eyes, and 9.75 secs should open a few eyes."

Ohuruogu clocked 50.88s in a very strong 400m field, in which Botswana's Amantle Montsho came second in 50.34 and Jamaican Novlene Williams-Mills third in 50.50.

And the Briton was pleased with her time in her first serious outing of the season.

"It was a fast race, but I'm happy. It was a good run," said the Olympic champion, who lost her world title last summer.

"I knew it was going to be tough."