China's Olympic champion Liu Xiang will not compete in this week's national trials for the Asian Games but is still assured of a slot in the Chinese contingent for the quadrennial multi-sport event, a top athletics official said on Thursday.

Feng Shuyong, vice director of China's Athletics Association, said the men's 110m hurdles star needs to focus on his preparations for the Asian Games and will not take part in any competition ahead of the November 12-27 event.

More than 1,000 athletes will compete in the four-day national trials which kicked off on Thursday.