Liu on track as top stars advance
Source: Agencies |
August 29, 2011, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA'S Liu Xiang looked back to his best after three years of injury misery as he cruised through the opening round of the 110 meters hurdles yesterday.
The 27-year-old former world and Olympic champion remained on collision course with American David Oliver and reigning Olympic gold medalist Dayron Robles, who both also eased into the worlds semifinals in Daegu.
Liu, who has raced infrequently and often in pain since his dramatic departure from the heats at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, looked comfortable with his newly adopted seven-step start and won the opening heat in 13.20 seconds.
"It was just the qualification so it was okay," the 2007 world champion and former record holder said. "I'm relaxed and surprised at the results. I think it will take 13 seconds or better to win."
The powerful Oliver, unbeaten in 18 successive finals until Liu bettered him in Shanghai earlier this year, was equally impressive as he barely grazed a hurdle in winning his heat in 13.27 seconds.
Oliver, who has run the only sub-13 second time (12.94) this year, said he did not put much stock in performances at this stage of the championships but declared himself pleased with his race.
"Race went well," he said. "Just all about running a time to get to the next round. I did that. I ran pretty easy today, really didn't try to press or do anything. I think I ran pretty good."
Robles, who holds the world record of 12.87 seconds but has also struggled with injury over the last couple of years, was the least assured of the three fastest hurdles of all time. The Cuban still had little trouble in advancing, however, easing up to finish in 13.42 seconds behind American Aries Merritt in heat four.
"I'm feeling good. I felt normal today. Everything is okay. Right now, I feel confident," the 24-year-old said.
The 27-year-old former world and Olympic champion remained on collision course with American David Oliver and reigning Olympic gold medalist Dayron Robles, who both also eased into the worlds semifinals in Daegu.
Liu, who has raced infrequently and often in pain since his dramatic departure from the heats at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, looked comfortable with his newly adopted seven-step start and won the opening heat in 13.20 seconds.
"It was just the qualification so it was okay," the 2007 world champion and former record holder said. "I'm relaxed and surprised at the results. I think it will take 13 seconds or better to win."
The powerful Oliver, unbeaten in 18 successive finals until Liu bettered him in Shanghai earlier this year, was equally impressive as he barely grazed a hurdle in winning his heat in 13.27 seconds.
Oliver, who has run the only sub-13 second time (12.94) this year, said he did not put much stock in performances at this stage of the championships but declared himself pleased with his race.
"Race went well," he said. "Just all about running a time to get to the next round. I did that. I ran pretty easy today, really didn't try to press or do anything. I think I ran pretty good."
Robles, who holds the world record of 12.87 seconds but has also struggled with injury over the last couple of years, was the least assured of the three fastest hurdles of all time. The Cuban still had little trouble in advancing, however, easing up to finish in 13.42 seconds behind American Aries Merritt in heat four.
"I'm feeling good. I felt normal today. Everything is okay. Right now, I feel confident," the 24-year-old said.
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