LONDON, England (BBC) – Olympic champion Usain Bolt obliterated the opposition to win the 100-metre at the Golden League meeting in Paris in a stunning time of 9.79 seconds yesterday.

Running in pouring rain and into a strong headwind, Bolt made an indifferent start but powered into the lead in the latter part of the race.

Antigua’s Daniel Bailey (9.91) and Jamaica’s Yohan Blake (9.93) finished second and third respectively, in impressive times.

Britain’s Simeon Williamson was off the pace, finishing sixth in 10.14.

With the World Championships in Berlin fast approaching, Bolt’s performance served as a warning to any sprinter who believes they can challenge for the gold medal in Berlin.

Bolt’s time was the second fastest of the season just 0.02 seconds slower than Tyson Gay of the United States, who recorded 9.77 into a headwind in Rome.

“I had a bad start but that is all part of life and I (ended up) with a good time,” said Bolt, whose previous best time this year was 9.86 in June.

“I’m always ready, no matter the conditions. The only thing I’ve got to work on is my start.”

Bolt may have attracted much of the attention in Paris, but the other contenders for the $1m Golden League jackpot also won their races, the fourth of the six-leg series.

Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele eased to victory in the 3 000m in 7:28.64, comfortably clear of Bernard Lagat.

“I’m very satisfied to still be in the race for the jackpot,” said Bekele.

Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva needed just one attempt to win the pole vault at 4.65-metre, while Jamaica’s Kerron Stewart took the 100m in 10.99 and United States star Sanya Richards clinched the women’s 400-metre in 49.34.

In the men’s 400-metre, Jeremy Wariner blew away his rivals to win in a time of 45.28.