New York, June 14 (IANS): Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt beat Anguillan teenager Zharnel Hughes to win the 200 metres race at the Diamond League meet here.

Bolt crossed the line in 20.29 seconds to claim gold ahead of Hughes, who clocked 20.32 and compatriot Julian Forte third in 20.46 on Saturday, reports CMC.

Bolt's victory came in the absence of his close rival Justin Gatlin, who has been burning up the track -- posting world leaders of 9.74 in the 100m and 19.68 in the 200m.

Bolt and Gatlin are likely to go head-to-head in the World Championships in Beijing in August.

"I wasn't too happy with the time today. Training has been going well and I am looking forward to what the rest of the season has to bring," said the 28-year-old multiple-Olympic champion and world record holder.

Trinidad and Tobago's Keston Bledman and Jamaican Nesta Carter were not fast enough to beat American Tyson Gay, who sped to victory in the 100m race, clocking 10.12. Bledman clocked 10.13 to place second while Carter secured the bronze in 10.15.

Meanwhile, Jamaica's Samantha Henry-Robinson and Trinidad and Tobago's Kelly-Ann Baptiste lost to America's English Gardner in women's 100m. Henry-Robinson had to settle for second position, clocking 11.08, and Baptiste followed with 11.19. Gardner crossed the line in a winning time of 11 seconds.