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Liu off to winning start at Osaka Grand Prix

Saturday, 10 May 2008

OSAKA, Japan (AP) -- World record holder Liu Xiang of China coasted to victory in the 110-meter hurdles on Saturday at the Osaka Grand Prix, his first outdoor race of the season.

Running in rainy and cold conditions at Nagai Stadium, reigning Olympic gold medalist and world champion Liu clocked a time of 13.19 seconds to finish well ahead of compatriot Shi Dongpeng, who had a time of 13.63.

"Given the rain and the cold, I'm satisfied with the result," said Liu, who won this event for the fifth straight year. "I've always enjoyed running here and it's good to start the season off with a win."

Jamaica's Maurice Wignall was third in 13.84.

Liu is China's best hope for athletics gold this summer at the Beijing Olympics.

After Osaka, Liu is set compete in two more races in May -- the Olympic test event in Beijing on May 22 and the Reebok Grand Prix in the United States on May 31.

Liu took control of Saturday's race after the second hurdle. His main rivals -- Cuba's Dayron Robles and Americans Alan Johnson and Terrence Trammell -- did not take part.

Liu said after Saturday's race that avoiding injury in the wet conditions was key.

"The most important thing is not to get injured," said Liu. "I was able to relax and run a good race."

Liu has said he's in better condition physically than he was four years ago in Athens, where he equaled the then world record of 12:91 seconds to win gold.

Liu said he will spend the two months after the Reebok Grand Prix event training in Beijing.

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