AMERICAN Aries Merritt set a new world record of 12.80 seconds in the 110m hurdles at the Diamond League meet in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday.

Merritt smashed the previous record of 12.87 seconds set by Cuban Dayron Robles in June 2008 in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

“I was just trying to get under 13 seconds to cap off a good season,” said Merritt. “I can’t believe I ran that fast!

“What is this time I’m seeing?! I’m in shock,” he joked.

Merritt added: “I’m finally living up to my potential after a lot of injuries... with people telling me to go and get a proper job.

“It’s the first season I’ve been able to put it together. It’s the best season ever.”

The 27-year-old Merritt, who ran 12.92 seconds to win the Olympic title in London, bolted out of the blocks and by the fourth hurdle was ahead of the strong field. Fellow American Jason Richardson finished second in 13.05 seconds, with Jamaican Hansle Parchment completing the podium in 13.14 seconds, to mirror the medal positions from the London Games.(SD-Agencies)