Athletics-Lyles wins 150m at Atlanta City Games

FILE PHOTO: Athletics - Golden League Track and Field ISTAF - The Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany - September 4, 2022 Noah Lyles of the U.S. wins the men's 100m REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

(Reuters) - Noah Lyles retained the upper hand in his rivalry with fellow American Erriyon Knighton on Saturday, taking first place in the 150 metres at the Atlanta City Games as he steps up preparations to defend his 200m crown at this year's World Championships.

Lyles, bronze medallist at the Tokyo Games, scorched to victory in 14.56 seconds to become the third-fastest athlete of all time over the distance behind Jamaican Usain Bolt and compatriot Tyson Gay. The 150m is not a World Athletics-recognised event.