 In 2009, after sitting out most of the indoor season, Payne returned to Olympic form during the outdoor season capturing the 2009 USATF National Championship in the 110m hurdles, a feat which qualified him for the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany.In a photo finish, Payne edged out fellow 2008 Olympian, 2007 World Silver Medalist, and former 110m hurdle National Champion Terrence Trammell by 0.003 of a second with a winning time of 13.115.Again, Payne surprised many by overtaking Trammell in the final steps although Trammell led coming off the final hurdle and was thought by the announcers to have won.