Williams breezes past Greene in Japan

Jim Armstrong, Associated Press, Yokohama, Japan

American Bernard Williams upstaged compatriot Maurice Greene Monday to win the men's 100 meters at the Yokohama Super Track and Field meet.

Williams posted a time of 10.21 seconds in rainy conditions at International Stadium Yokohama, edging Japan's Nobuharu Asahara by 0.07 seconds. American Darvis Patton was third in 10.33 seconds.

Greene, who pulled out of last week's Grand Prix Final in Paris to save energy for this event, finished fifth in 10.56 seconds but said he wasn't concerned.

"I just felt tired," said Greene. "I felt like my body was asleep, it was a long flight from Paris and I didn't get any sleep last night."

The former 100-meter world record holder, Olympic gold medalist and world champion has had a shaky season, winning in only three of seven prestigious Golden League events. On Monday, he vowed to make a comeback next year.

American Tim Montgomery broke the 100-meter world record on Saturday in Paris with a time of 9.78 and Greene said he expected to take it back.

"World records are made to be broken," said Greene. "Tim has been running well all year long but I definitely feel like it's my record and I want it back."

In the men's 110-meter hurdles, American Allen Johnson posted the fastest time of 13.28 seconds. Olympic champion Anier Garcia was second in 13.35 while world record holder Colin Jackson of Britain was third in 13.44.

"The weather didn't cooperate but other than that I was pleased," said Johnson. "I was able to break a sweat and the only down side was that I false started and felt bad about making the other racers stand around in the rain."

Like Greene, Johnson said the world record will be one of his goals at the World Championships next year in Paris.

"I think I'm close to Colin," said Johnson. "It is one of my goals but it isn't my main goal. My primary goal is to win the World Championships and if I can break the record there that would be even better."