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WINNER: Kaliese Spencer (left) with Melaine Walker

IN THE ABSENCE of Jamaican sprint star Asafa Powell, compatriot Kaliese Spencer stole the show at the Aviva London Grand Prix.

The Crystal Palace crowd were given a fine display of 400m hurdles running by Spencer who looks nailed on to claim the gold medal at the World Championships later this month.

Spencer stormed home in a world leading time this year of 52.79seconds to also claim the meeting record.

Spencer left fellow Jamaican, world and Olympic champion Melaine Walker in her wake. Walker trailed in 53.90 seconds with Briton Perri Shakes-Drayton coming a credible third in a season’s best time of 54.62 seconds.

Powell’s late withdrawal with a groin injury was a blow to the meeting but totally understandable. The World Championships take place in Daegu, South Korea at the end of the month and no extra risk need be taken by athletes looking to claim gold, silver or bronze.

Fittingly Spencer’s powerful win came just hours before Jamaica’s Independence day jamboree.

Spencer said moments later: "I came here to get a PB and I did just that. I'm absolutely delighted. I run great 400s and my coach told me to run it like I run the 400, so I did that. It wasn't great technically but my speed strength between the hurdles carried me home.

"I'm very happy to have got here. I stayed focused and was determined to do well. It's taken me a long time to get here but this is my time.

"In Daegu hopefully I will do a personal best there as well. I know I can do better than I have before. I think I'll be in great shape."