Jackson used a strong finish down the stretch to win in 48.66 seconds. Olympic champion Angelo Taylor finished a disappointing fourth.

Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell showed impressive form in winning his 100 heat in a wind-aided 9.75 seconds to qualify for the final. Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt skipped the meet.

The Doha meet is the first of 14 events around the world in the Diamond League, the successor to the Golden League.