Olympic and world 100 metres champion Maurice Greene suffered the latest in a series of defeats on Friday, beaten into third place by compatriot John Capel at the Rome Golden League meeting.

The American former world record holder, winner in Rome for the last four years, broke well but couldn't pull away from Capel, who crossed the line in 10.04 seconds, just ahead of U.S. champion Bernard Williams, who clocked 10.06.

Greene's time of 10.09 was the same as that given to fourth-placed Briton Dwain Chambers.

Greene has yet to run into top form this season, as he builds up to defending his world title in Paris next month.

He finished third behind Williams at the Paris Golden League meeting, and also suffered defeat in Lausanne.