China's Liu wins Japan GP 110m hurdles at canter

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

OSAKA, Japan (AFP) — All-conquering Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang overcame wet and cold conditions here to easily win the men's 110-metre hurdles at the Japan Grand Prix Saturday with the Olympics only three months away.

The 24-year-old Olympic and world champion, who also holds the world record of 12.88 seconds, clocked 13.19 to win at a canter in his first outdoor race of the season and sound a warning to the competition ahead of the Beijing Games in August.

Liu led a Chinese one-two finish with Shi Dongpeng, who timed 13.63, second, ahead of Maurice Wignall of Jamaica third in 13.84.

"I like Osaka. I competed in Osaka seven times and I've never been beaten. I want to come back next year again," said Liu.

"Considering that it's rainy and cold, I tried...