• Diamond League, Shanghai

Idowu strolls to victory in Shanghai

Phillips Idowu beat a high-quality field in the triple jump © Getty Images

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• Profile: Phillips Idowu | Asafa Powell

Great Britain's Phillips Idowu put down a marker ahead of London 2012 by cruising to victory in the triple jump at the Diamond League meeting in Shanghai.

Idowu, making his 2012 season debut at the meeting, leapt 17.24m to finish ahead of Will Claye (17.12) and world champion Christian Taylor (16.96). Despite the conditions being far from ideal, Idowu coped best with the wet track and showed why he is one of GB's main hopes for a gold medal at this summer's Games.

Former world record holder Asafa Powell claimed a morale-boosting win in the men's 100m, the Jamaican easing across the line in 10.02s, ahead of Michael Rodgers (10.08) and fellow countryman Nesta Carter (10.16).

The time is hardly likely to strike fear in the likes of Usain Bolt but, having being edged out by Justin Gatlin earlier in the month in Doha, Powell was thrilled to return to the winners' circle after triumphing in blustery conditions.

"It was a good result. Technically it was good. We did a lot of work in Jamaica," Powell said. "It's still two months to the Olympics. I'm satisfied. Shanghai is a good meet, the crowd is fantastic... I'm excited."

There was disappointment in the women's long jump for Great Britain's Shara Proctor, who could only manage a best effort of 6.31m. Proctor, who finished in eighth place, was well short of the 6.73m meeting record set by the victor Janay Deloach.

Liu Xiang boosted his Olympic hopes as he powered to glory in the 110m hurdles. The 2004 Olympic champion set a world-leading time of 12.97s to send a warning to rival David Oliver, who took silver with a season's best 13.13.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.