Merritt breaks world record

Olympic champion Aries Merritt finally broke Dayron Robles’ four-year-old 110m hurdles world record with a run of 12.80 seconds at the Diamond League meeting in Brussels last night.

The American had been pushing Robles’ record all season and recorded seven runs under 13 seconds before finally eclipsing the Cuban’s mark tonight by 700ths of a second.

Merritt expressed surprise at the extent of his victory, ahead of American Jason Richardson in second place on 13.05secs, and Jamaican Hansle Parchement who ran 13.14 for third.

Merritt said: “I can’t believe I ran that fast — I’m in shock.”

Usain Bolt finished his season by winning the 100m in 9.86, ahead of fellow Jamaicans Nester Carter and Kemar Bailey, but admitted fatigue was starting to be a big factor.

Bolt, who recovered from a shoddy start, said: “I’m so tired, I just feel drained and I went through the motions pretty much — it was an okay race and I didn’t lose so that’s good.”

Bolt’s compatriot and training partner Yohan Blake eased to victory in the 200m in a sparkling 19.54.