Jeremy Wariner ran the the third fastest-ever time to defend his 400 metres title in style at the World Championships in Osaka on Friday night.

After a conservative start, Wariner came off the final bend and powered down the home straight to win in 43.45 seconds at Nagai stadium.

The 23-year-old Texan's devastating burst saw him lead LaShawn Merritt and Angelo Taylor to a clean sweep of the medals for Team USA.

Merritt was also rewarded with a lifetime best of 43.96secs, with Taylor clocking 44.32.

Wariner's performance lies only behind fellow Americans Michael Johnson and Harry 'Butch' Reynolds on the world all-time list.

His latest display indicates he is capable of bettering the world record of 43.18 which his manager Johnson achieved winning the world title seven years ago in Seville.

"My coach (Clyde Hart) told me to execute in the best possible way and I did it,'' Wariner said of his win, unfazed at being drawn in lane six outside his two main rivals.

"I was not bothered, a lane is a lane. I had a great finish. I knew I would run a fast time. I knew I could do a new PB,'' his previous best of 43.50sec and world leader coming in Stockholm at the beginning of the month.

"LaShawn was also great, running his first time sub 44 seconds."