United States' Jeremy Wariner (left) crosses the finish line to win the men's 400m yesterday. At right is silver medal winner LaShawn Merritt, also from the U.S. - AP

OSAKA, Japan (Reuters);

AMERICAN JEREMY Wariner retained his world 400 metres title in dazzling style yesterday, clocking the fifth-fastest time in history.

The 23-year-old Texan, starting from lane six, powered off the final bend to clock 43.45 seconds, despite a swirling wind in Osaka.

LaShawn Merritt took silver in a personal best 43.96 with Angelo Taylor, a former Olympic champion at 400m hurdles, clocking 44.32 to make the United States the first country to sweep the podium in the event.

"My coach told me to execute in the best possible way and I did," smiled Wariner. "I knew it would take at least a mid-43 to win it.

"I couldn't ask for a better race. I know the 4x400 (relay) is going to be a lot of fun.

"I'm fulfilling my goals step by step. Next year it is to defend my Olympic title."

Only Michael Johnson and Butch Reynolds have run faster than Wariner, Johnson setting the world record of 43.18 at the 1999 World Championships in Seville.

"The world record, it will come when it comes," shrugged Wariner, who uses Johnson's former coach Clyde Hart. "Today means a lot to me."

Sporting his trademark sunglasses, Wariner burst from the blocks and was soon out in front, underlining his superiority by racing clear in the final 100m, his huge diamond ear-studs and chunky gold necklace glittering under the floodlights.

Merritt had no complaints about finishing second.

"Only one man can win and that was Jeremy," he said. "I kind of made it hard on myself. I started fighting a little bit when I should have stayed relaxed."