Tyson Gay is the new world champion in 100 metres sprint after storming past arch-rival Asafa Powell at the Osaka Championships on Sunday.

The stop watch showed a staggering 9.85 seconds when Gay crossed the finish line, with just a hundredth of a second more than his personal best recorded on June 22 in Indianapolis.

Powell had a better start, but Gay quickly entered his rhythm and flew past the world record-holder, who eventually finished third (9.96 seconds) after Bahamas’ Derrick Atkins, 9.91 seconds.

“I have been waiting for this for a long time,” the fresh champion said. “I concentrated on my reaction on the start and it was excellent. Once I got to 70m I knew I had a chance to win.”

Powell remained with the cold comfort of a bronze medal and kept his 9.77 world record untouched.

“I am disappointed. The pressure got to me. I messed up,” the 24-year-old Jamaican sprinter said. “I stopped running when Tyson passed me…I lost the race, he didn't win it.”

The two athletes never met each other this year on track and fought their battle from distance until the Osaka Championships. Both were unbeaten this season, as Sunday’s race aligned at the starting line the fastest man in 2007 and the world record holder.

Despite his performances, this is the first medal obtained at a major event for Powell. He missed the world title once more, after being disqualified for a false start at the 2003 world championships, came fifth at the 2004 Olympics and pulled out of the 2005 event due to an injury.

Gay has a tremendous season so far despite the absence of his coach Lance Brauman, currently imprisoned. The 25-year-old American athlete said he followed the advices of Brauman, but his mother played the decisive role in strengthening his self-confidence.

“My Mum told me to make myself a believer. I was wondering whether people still respected me if I lost,” Gay said.

With a personal best of 19.62 seconds, Gay is the favorite for the 200 metre race and can confidently look forward to next year’s Olympic Games that will take place in Beijing.