Jamaica's Asafa Powell (right) taking second in the men's 100 metres at the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday. Powell clocked 9.88 seconds to finish runner-up to American Tyson Gay (second left), 9.79. Jamaicans Nickel Ashmeade (second right) and Kemar Bailey-Cole (left) finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Both were awarded the same time, 10.05. - AP

Former world's fastest man Asafa Powell was encouraged by his performance at the Lausanne IAAF Diamond League meet yesterday, despite finishing second behind the United States Tyson Gay.

Powell, who surprisingly missed out on a spot on Jamaica's team to this summer's World Championships in Moscow, became the fastest Jamaican in the 100m this year, after clocking a workmanlike 9.88 seconds to finish behind the American champion and the event's season leader.

The MVP star's effort eclipses Usain Bolt's 9.94 as the fastest time recorded by a Jamaican so far this year.

"I'm happy my times are getting better slowly but surely," Powell told the BBC.

"I was really disappointed (about the Jamaican trials), I know how good I can be."

Powell, dogged by injury, produced his best race in months; eagerly stepping out of the blocks before producing good mid-race power, which took him through the line, still behind the fastest man this year Gay, who won in 9.79.

Mike Rodgers was third in 9.96, with Jamaicans Nickel Ashmeade and Kemar Bailey-Cole fifth and sixth, respectively, having recorded the same time; 10.05.

In their 18 starts against each other, this was Gay's 11th time finishing in front of the former 100m world record holder Powell, but the American made it clear that his objectives this season is to take top honours in Moscow and lower his 9.69 American record and personal best.

"I haven't set a PB for four years. I'm hoping to do that this year," said the 30 year-old.

"It's been a long time since I doubled at a major championships, so it's good to be able to do that again."

Novlene Williams-Mills, who earlier this week came public with her fight against breast cancer, produced another strong run in the women's 400m, finishing strongly from the outside to finish third in 50.87 behind winner Francena McCorory, whose 50.36 gave her a surprise win over World Champion Amantle Montsho, 50.37.

Patricia-Hall, 400m specialist, 22.77, was fourth in the women's 200m, another event that turned up a surprise.

Ukrainian Mariya Ryemyen, 22.61, got the win over LaShauntae Moore, 22.67 and US champion Kimberlyn Duncan, 22.73. Carmelita Jeter was way off her best, as she continues to struggle after her recent injury issues, finishing fifth in 22.77.

Upcoming 200m sprinter Jason Young, 20.20; who last year registered a 19.86 time, was caught in the last phase of the race after leading off the curve by Churandy Martina, 20.01. Jaysuma Saidy Ndure, 20.40 was third with the second Jamaican in the race, Mario Forsythe running sixth in 20.75.

'I'm happy my times are getting better slowly but surely.' - Powell