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Usain Bolt runs sub-10 seconds in Monaco victory

Usain Bolt came with his customary late run to win again in Monaco
Usain Bolt came with his customary late run to win again in Monaco

Usain Bolt ducked under 10 seconds for the first time this year to win his last ever race outside of a major championships.

The Jamaican world and Olympic 100 metres and 200m champion recovered from a slow start to roar clear of the 100m field at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco.

He clocked 9.95 seconds to beat Isiah Young of America by three hundredths of a second, with South African Akani Simbine third and Great Britain's Chijindu Ujah fourth in 10.02.

Bolt, who this week revealed he has been having treatment for a back problem, defends a global sprint title for the last time at the World Championships in London next month.

"It was good, I'm going into right direction, still a lot of work to do," said Bolt.

"I'm always here for the fans, and of course I will miss the vibe around the track. Mixed emotions always -- happy for my career, sad that it is ending. Sub-10 is always good. It was an exciting race, lots of energy."

Olympic and world champion Wayde van Niekerk won a titanic battle against Botswana's Isaac Makwala to take the 400 metres.

The South African, also the world record holder in the event, made a lightning start, then Makwala recovered to lead coming off the final bend before Van Niekerk powered down the final straight to win in 43.73 seconds.

Makwala's time of 43.84 was a personal best.

Van Niekerk's fellow South African, Caster Semenya, won a dramatic women's 800 metres in a season's best and meeting record time of 1:55.27.

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