KINGSTON (AFP) - Former world record-holder Asafa Powell clocked a world leading 9.84 seconds to win the 100-metre dash at a World Challenge athletics meeting in Kingston< Jamaica, on Saturday.

The Jamaican finished ahead of American Ryan Bailey, who crossed the line in 9.93, with Jamaican Nesta Carter third in 9.98.

"I knew after I ran 10.08 into a head wind on a dead track in Guadeloupe that I could run a sub-10 seconds," Powell said. "I felt easy out there tonight and I am very happy with how I executed my race. The crowd was wonderful and it just shows they appreciate what I do."

Powell, who owned the 100m world record from 2005 until 2008, when Usain Bolt broke the mark, tested positive for a banned substance in 2013 and is on the comeback trail after a ban that ended last year.

He improved on this year's previous best of 10.01 set by Trinidad and Tobago's Keston Bledman on April 24 in Gainesville, United States.

It was Powell's fastest 100m since a 9.78 at Lausanne in 2011. His personal best is 9.72, clocked in 2008.