Scott ran the fastest time in the world this year

Scott clocked 6.50 seconds to edge out Russia's Andrey Yepishin, who was second in 6.52, while Terrence Trammell, also of America, took third.

Me'Lisa Barber led a one-two finish for the United States in the women's 60m.

Barber clocked 7.01 seconds to edge world 100m outdoor champion Lauryn Williams. Kim Gevaert of Belgium won the bronze medal in 7.11.

Meanwhile, Yelena Isinbayeva, arguably the event's biggest attraction, qualified for the women's pole vault final with a clearance of 4.50m.

Claxton heads depleted GB squad

With most of their potential medallists on Commonwealth Games duty, Great Britain struggled on the opening day of the championships.

Welshman Jimmy Watkins qualified in second for the semi-finals of the 800m in a personal-best time of one minute 48.20 seconds.

And Jenny Meadows qualified as a fastest loser for the women's 800m semi-finals in a time of 2:02.75.

However, international debutant Karen Harewood bombed out with a very disappointing performance, running her slowest time of this indoor season of 2:04.51.

Earlier, Tim Abeyie and Mark Findlay both failed to reach the 60m final, as did Joice Maduaka for a second successive championships.

In addition, Colin McCourt, sixth in a time of 3:45.77, and Neil Speaight, fifth with a mark of 3:41.99, were eliminated in their 1500m heats.