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Tuesday October 27, 2009

Liu Xiang back on the rise again

BEIJING: Fresh from winning his third straight national 110m hurdles title, China’s Liu Xiang says he is hoping his injured foot is a thing of the past and that he is primed for a return to top form.

Liu Xiang powered his way to victory in Sunday night’s final in front of 60,000 boisterous fans and a nationwide television audience, in his first race win since injury prevented him from running in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“After I had surgery, I doubted myself and it was hard to see my future, but one race after another, I am gradually recovering and believing,” an elated Liu Xiang said in an interview with China Central Television.

“It’s great to win the national championship three times. I am looking forward to a fourth win next time,” he said, looking ahead to the next four-yearly National Games in 2013.

Hopes raised: Liu Xiang celebrates after winning the men’s 110m hurdle event during the National Games in Jinan on Sunday. — AFP

The 26-year-old Shanghai native got out of the blocks fast on Sunday, winning in a time of 13.34, a time well off his personal best of 12.88 seconds and the world record of 12.87.

Last month at his first post-Achilles tendon surgery competition at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix, the former world record holder ran a wind-assisted 13.15 for second place behind US world number two Terrence Trammell.

“This year I hope to run around 13.10, next year 13.00 — whether I can go under 13 seconds is hard to say,” Liu Xiang told journalists.

“But as far as I am concerned right now is the best time for me. I still hope that I can reach my best-ever form.”

Liu Xiang is next slated to appear in the Asian Athletics Championship in Guangzhou in southern China in November and the East Asian Games in Hong Kong in December. — AFP


For Another perspective from the China Daily, a partner of Asia News Network, click here


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