kvLin
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by Talek Harris
Thu Aug 30, 10:46 AM ET
IAAF World Athletics Championship
OSAKA, Japan (AFP) - China's Olympic champion Liu Xiang timed a modest 13.25 seconds as he eased into the world 110 metres hurdles final on Thursday, as title holder Ladji Doucoure crashed out.
The world record holder led until the last barrier but slowed at the line as Cuba's Dayron Robles leaned over in 13.21. Liu was the fifth fastest qualifier for Friday's final.
American David Payne was quickest overall, edging China's Shi Dongpeng in 13.19, while defending champion Doucoure finished behind double Olympic silver medallist Terrence Trammell and failed to qualify.
"The race was easier than yesterday, but it's tomorrow's race that matters," said Liu.
"I'm aware that American hurdler Dominique Arnold pulled out of the competition and Ladji Doucoure didn't advance to the final but I don't want to think about my opponents and just run my own race.
"Now, I'll be running the final to get a medal."
It was another low-key display from Liu, who timed fourth fastest in the opening round behind team-mate Shi.
Asia's hottest athlete and last remaining gold medal hope is seeking China's first world title since 1999, when women's walker Liu Hongyu triumphed in Seville.
The firm favourite, who smashed Colin Jackson's world record with 12.88 last year, took silver two years ago and bronze in 2003 behind rival Allen Johnson, who is not competing here.
But Liu, who was reported to be suffering from a fever before the competition, has played down his chances despite being unbeaten in Osaka and owning the season's quickest time (12.92).
Liu is tipped by hurdles legend Ed Moses to steal the show in Osaka, where he set a new Asian record in 2004 before storming to the Olympic title and has also won the Japan Grand Prix four times running.
His career took off in 2004 when he equalled the world record of 12.91 and became Asia's first Olympic track men's gold medallist.
Liu rose to superstar status when he broke Jackson's 13-year-old world mark in Lausanne last year, and he now holds three of the top 10 all-time performances.
Millions of Chinese are eagerly following the progress of their hero, arguably the country's biggest star along with basketballer Yao Ming.
Chinese fans were boosted on Thursday when Zhang Wenxiu claimed bronze in the women's hammer, the country's first medal of the championships.
source: yahoo news
Thu Aug 30, 10:46 AM ET
IAAF World Athletics Championship
OSAKA, Japan (AFP) - China's Olympic champion Liu Xiang timed a modest 13.25 seconds as he eased into the world 110 metres hurdles final on Thursday, as title holder Ladji Doucoure crashed out.
The world record holder led until the last barrier but slowed at the line as Cuba's Dayron Robles leaned over in 13.21. Liu was the fifth fastest qualifier for Friday's final.
American David Payne was quickest overall, edging China's Shi Dongpeng in 13.19, while defending champion Doucoure finished behind double Olympic silver medallist Terrence Trammell and failed to qualify.
"The race was easier than yesterday, but it's tomorrow's race that matters," said Liu.
"I'm aware that American hurdler Dominique Arnold pulled out of the competition and Ladji Doucoure didn't advance to the final but I don't want to think about my opponents and just run my own race.
"Now, I'll be running the final to get a medal."
It was another low-key display from Liu, who timed fourth fastest in the opening round behind team-mate Shi.
Asia's hottest athlete and last remaining gold medal hope is seeking China's first world title since 1999, when women's walker Liu Hongyu triumphed in Seville.
The firm favourite, who smashed Colin Jackson's world record with 12.88 last year, took silver two years ago and bronze in 2003 behind rival Allen Johnson, who is not competing here.
But Liu, who was reported to be suffering from a fever before the competition, has played down his chances despite being unbeaten in Osaka and owning the season's quickest time (12.92).
Liu is tipped by hurdles legend Ed Moses to steal the show in Osaka, where he set a new Asian record in 2004 before storming to the Olympic title and has also won the Japan Grand Prix four times running.
His career took off in 2004 when he equalled the world record of 12.91 and became Asia's first Olympic track men's gold medallist.
Liu rose to superstar status when he broke Jackson's 13-year-old world mark in Lausanne last year, and he now holds three of the top 10 all-time performances.
Millions of Chinese are eagerly following the progress of their hero, arguably the country's biggest star along with basketballer Yao Ming.
Chinese fans were boosted on Thursday when Zhang Wenxiu claimed bronze in the women's hammer, the country's first medal of the championships.
source: yahoo news
