With Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake in the competition you do not expect anyone else to steal the limelight.

However, a stunning run from Aries Merritt in the 110 meter hurdles, where the American broke the world record with a timing of 12.80 seconds, deservedly took the plaudits, on a day when Bolt won the 100 and Blake the 200 in the final Diamond League meeting in Brussels.

The Olympic champion took a huge chunk off the previous world mark of 12.87 set by Cuban Dayron Robles in 2008.

"I can't believe I ran that fast -- I'm in shock," Merritt told BBC Sport. "I was focused on running under 13 for one last time to cap off a really good season, and I obliterated it.

"When I crossed the line and saw the time I was still in shock. I think it was almost the perfect race. I had a good reaction out of the blocks and I just kept going.

"I'm so happy I'm finally living up to my potential after all this time with injuries and hamstring tears and so many people telling me I should throw in the towel and get a normal job."

Bolt, who ran the 200 in the two previous Diamond League meetings, won the 100 in a modest - for the great man - 9.86 seconds. Nesta Carter (9.96) took second with Kemar Bailey Cole (9.97) in third.

"I'm satisfied with the results because I could show something to the audience," said Bolt, who clocked a meet record 9.76 here last year. "The key issue was to finish the season injury free so that I can start well to prepare for next season."

Blake, who like Bolt evaded each other in the last two Diamond League meetings, coasted to the 200 meter victory in 91.54 seconds. Jamaican Jason Young was second in 19.92 with Christophe Lemaitre (20.17) of France taking third.

"I could have done better this evening with stronger competitors," Blake said. "But as I said, I'm satisfied. This is a good time to finish the season."