Tyson Gay is the world champion.

In a 100-meters final that delivered all it promised Sunday, Gay was slower out of the blocks. Once his legs got pumping, he caught and surged past Asafa Powell to claim his first gold medal at a major international championship in 9.85 seconds.

Powell, sensing defeat, was passed by Derrick Atkins of the Bahamas at the tape in 9.91. Powell, a co-holder of the world record at 9.77, was third in 9.96 and remains without a major title.

Watched under a full moon by Japanese Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko and some 40,000 fans at the Nagai stadium, Gay pumped his arms, beat his chest and shouted in delight in the victory that ended weeks of nervous preparations.

Powell showed little emotion - his sullen demeanor said it all.

Gay, regularly slower out of the blocks than Powell, had feared a false start, which would put him even more on edge. But the race went off smoothly. And with his head wobbling from side to side, Gay hit his groove.

With his first global title, Gay's surely the favorite for next year's Olympics in Beijing.