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World champions Bernard Lagat, Jeremy Wariner and Allyson Felix grabbed the limelight by easing to comfortable victories at the Adidas Track Classic in California.

Kenyan-born Lagat (pictured) coasted home in the men's 1,500 metres, American Wariner dominated the men's 400 and Los Angeles native Felix, roared on by family and friends, triumphed in the women's 200.

The day's biggest drama, however, occurred in the men's 400 hurdles where world champion Kerron Clement surged across the finishing line in first place after race organisers had botched the set-up of the eighth hurdle on the Home Depot Center track.

World 1,500 and 5,000 champion Lagat, bitterly disappointed after injuries deprived him of a medal at last year's Beijing Olympics, won in 3:36.38 with a powerful surge over the last 100.

"The race started well and the pace-maker did a good job," a beaming Lagat said after finishing ahead of Canada's Nate Brannen (3:37.03). "He is the one who helped me get the good time today.

"I was feeling good all the way. At the bell, I was thinking to myself: 'Should I go now or should I hold off?' But I wanted to wait until 100 metres so I could go. And that's exactly what I did. I am really pleased with the win today."

Twice world 400 champion Wariner produced a near-perfect first 60 metres before powering home in 44.66.

"I felt great coming into this week," the American said after beating Chris Brown of the Bahamas (45.03) and Trinidadian Rennie Quow (45.05). "My work ethic is more focused than it has been after a disappointing season last year.

"I just want to get back to the top where I was. I just need to focus a little more on my finish to get by speed endurance up."

Felix was delighted to win her first 200 outing of the season, although she was a little disappointed with her time.

"The speed was not there today," the 23-year-old American said after clocking 22.66. "I knew it wasn't going to be anything fantastic but it shows where I needed to work. By the world championships hopefully I will be really strong.

"I had a really poor start, and I knew the nerves would probably be there. But I was hoping it would be a little faster than that."

American Clement surged to victory in a controversial 400 hurdles that left Olympic Games gold medallist Angelo Taylor fuming.

Clement, who claimed the silver medal in Beijing, crossed the line in 48.38 seconds with fellow American Taylor second (48.70) and Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic third (48.95).

The entire field, however, was blindsided by race organisers, who botched the set-up of the eighth hurdle on the Home Depot Center track, leaving it too close to the seventh.

"Whoever is in charge of putting up the hurdles needs to be fired," an angry Taylor said. "I could have stayed at home today. I feel sick, man. That race doesn't count."

Although Clement understood the frustrations of his rivals, he was delighted after clocking the fastest time in the world this year.

"I'm very happy with my time," the 23-year-old said. "I was just really happy to come out here and compete against top-level people - Angelo, James and everybody else.

"My focus was just to focus on myself out here and try to get the win."

Reuters