After winning the first gold for China in the track and field competition, the 19-year-old university student said,"I was very happy to win the gold. It is the first gold medal for me in a major international meet, but my dream is to win a medal at the 2008 Olympics."

Liu, who entered the quarter-final at the World Athletics Championships in Edmonton early this month, didn't surged to the leading position until the final run-in.

Elmar Lichtenegger of Austria finished second in 13.36 and Sweden's Robert Kronberg placed third in 13.48.

The 1.88 meter tall Chinese is regarded as one of the Chinese hopeful in the track and field for China. His personal best is 13.32.

"I know I still have a long way to go, and I have a lot of hurdles to conquer, but I will try my best to be one of the best in the world," the beaming winner added.

Liu bolted off from the blocks slower than most of the rivals. He caught up Lichtenegger after the final hurdle and kicked hard to hit the line first.

(Xinhua News Agency 08/28/2001)