Sawt Falasteen - 'Still in the game': Lyles outstrips Tebogo in season-opening 200m

The 27-year-old American, a three-time world 200m champion, had run a 400m in Atlanta in April, but was yet to compete over the 100 or 200m this season.

But he showed no rustiness on a track where his one previous appearance, in 2020, saw him clock a sensational 19.46 seconds.

Lyles, in lane seven, delivered a perfectly-executed bend to win in 19.88sec, in a perfect rejoinder to detractors ahead of the world championships in Tokyo in September.

"It was a great race, I'm really glad to be healthy," said Lyles. "This shows I'm still in the game.

"I love the vibe in Monaco! The audience was amazing and showed a lot of love. That is always helpful for your first race.

"I pray for times like this to be out here and do what I love. I come out here and I give my best."

Lyles' season and European debut in the half-lap race saw him line up against Botswana's Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo.

It was the duo's first race since that final in Paris last summer when a Covid-struck Lyles claimed bronze.

Tebogo had headed to Monaco as the sprinter to beat. He set the fastest time of the season over 200m in Eugene on Saturday, in 19.76sec, having recovered from a poor start to the season.

He clung on to Lyles down the back straight, but the American's finishing power proved too much for the Botswanan, who finished second in 19.97sec.

"I put myself in the fire for that one coming back against Tebogo," admitted Lyles.

"But I didn't feel any pressure, I don't see any reason to put pressure on myself -- that's what we love to do."

- Work to do -

Tebogo, who complained that he had not had time to do his whole warm-up after the sprinters were called in early to the call room, added: "First of all, I am disappointed in my performance.

"But that is not an excuse. All of us came and showed up. I am always on the game, that is why I sometimes look serious. I now have the idea of what to work on."

While Tebogo calmly walked onto the track, applauding the crowd as the lights strobed and Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' belted around the stadium, Lyles bounced on, raising his arms to egg on the exultation.

It was the same at the Paris Olympics, but this time at Monaco's Stade Louis II, the outcome was different.

Lyles had warned Thursday that he was fully back from a tendon injury with a body he said was "ready to run fast".

It was Lyles' first proper injury since one he sustained in his first year as a professional in 2017.

The American's much-anticipated return to elite competition comes at a timely moment as athletes continue to fine-tune their form ahead of September's world championships in Tokyo.

Lyles, who will race over 100m in London next week, said he had been "missing competing over the last few weeks".

"I was watching the Prefontaine meet in Eugene and I wanted to be there, but we wanted first to make sure that I am healthy and fully able to compete.

"I missed most the competitors because I know everyone is giving their all.

"I have a bye for the US trials which makes it less stressful because it gives us the time to work on the races, it gives us time to see what works and what doesn´t and to be able to make moves from there."

Z.AbuSaud--SF-PST