Usain Bolt produced “one of the worst turns of his career” as he ran a time of 20.29 seconds to win the 200m at the New York Diamond League meeting.
The 100m and 200m world-record holder had been aiming to break 20 seconds for the first time this season and was left frustrated after the race, even though he raced into a headwind of 2.8 metres per second.
Zharnel Hughes of Anguilla finished second in 20.32 with Julian Forte of Jamaica third in 20.46
Bolt, whose 200m world record is 19.19, was running in New York for the first time since 2008 when he broke the 100m world record on the same Icahn Stadium track on Randall's Island.
The six-time Olympic gold medallist was surprised and disappointed at how poorly he ran the curve and expressed frustration that his training has not been translating into strong showings in competitions.
"I don't know what happened," Bolt said. "I really can't explain it. It was really bad. It was probably one of the worst turns I've ever had in my entire life.
"I got out of the blocks and I just didn't go anywhere, pretty much,"
However, Bolt remains hopeful he can find his best form in time for August's World Championships in Beijing.
"I never try to worry I just always keep working, because for some reason I always figure it out," he said.
In the men's 100m, American Tyson Gay pipped Keston Bledman, rallying after a slow start to win in a time of 10.12 into a headwind, with Nesta Carter third.
"Anytime you get a victory it builds your confidence," Gay said. "It doesn't matter what the time is. You want to come out and win the race."
Francena McCorory of the US was one of the few top runners pleased with her time, winning the 400m in 49.86, the fastest in the world this year.
Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder David Rudisha of Kenya was happy with his performance in the 800m considering he had been limited in training by a leg injury. He won in 1:43.58, more than 2.5 seconds off his world record.