Monte Carlo, Jul 23 (IANS/CMC): Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt carved out his best performance of the season this year when he streaked to victory in the 100 metres at the Monaco Diamond League here Friday.

The world and Olympic champion clocked a season-best 9.88 seconds to win the marquee event, but was forced to pull out all the stops before he could clinch victory.

He was pressed hard by fellow Jamaican Nesta Carter who finished second in another season-best time of 9.90 seconds, while American Michael Rodgers finished third in 9.96 seconds.

Bolt, who has not been his usual dominant self this year, got away from the blocks sluggishly and was behind at 50 metres in lane three, with Carter seemingly poised to take the upset win on the outside.

But the World record-holder stormed back in the final metres to snatch a narrow victory at the line, and stretch his unbeaten streak.

"Technically-wise it was a good race. It wasn't the best start. Other than that I think I executed well overall," Bolt said.

Bolt, who turns 25 next month, is gearing up for the World Championships scheduled for Daegu, South Korea, from August 27 to September 4.

He enters the showpiece as the main attraction and said it was crucial for him to remain in the winning mode in the lead up.

"For me, it's always key to keep winning and I am getting better," Bolt pointed out.

"My last 60 metres have improved dramatically. I need to work on my reaction time but I have been doing great in training, so I am just focusing and I feel ready."

Jamaican Novlene Williams-Mills, meanwhile, dropped to the third place in the women's 400 metres.

She came home in 50.61 seconds, trailing home winner Amantle Montsho of Botswana who clocked a national record 49.71 seconds.

Rosemarie Whyte (50.87) and Davita Prendergast (51.11) finished fourth and fifth respectively.