Liu wins 110m hurdles in Shanghai Diamond League

SHANGHAI: Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang won his much-anticipated rematch with world champion jason richardson, beating the American in the 110m hurdles at the rain-soaked Shanghai Diamond League meet yesterday.

Liu and Richardson were even through the first seven hurdles before the Chinese star pulled away to win in 12.97 seconds, ripping off his shirt after crossing the finish line to a huge cheer from the crowd.

American David Oliver finished second in 13.13 and countryman Richardson was third in 13.16.

“Tonight, I executed very well,” Liu said. “I hope that I can keep my momentum, keep my form and pay attention to the details during the training so that I can perform well in the future.”

It was the first time Liu and Richardson met in a race since last year’s world championships in Daegu, South Korea, where Liu tangled with Cuban Dayron Robles over the final hurdles. Robles crossed first but was disqualified after Liu appealed, elevating Richardson to first and Liu to second.

Liu, the 2004 Olympic champion and 2007 world champ, wasn’t close to his best times of a few years ago but he was re-emerging as a favourite heading to the London Olympics.

He has two victories in his first two outdoor races of the year – he beat a weaker field in Japan two weeks ago. He also beat Robles by nearly a tenth of a second in an indoor 60m hurdles in Feb – their first meeting since the worlds last August. — AP