What Liu Xiang lacks in luck, he makes up for in tenacity.

Exactly seven years after he claimed China's first Olympic men's sprinting gold, the hurdler's career is finally getting back on track as he competes in his fifth World Athletics Championships this week.

Liu eased through the first round of the men's 110m hurdles Sunday morning, winning his group with a time of 13.20 seconds. His time ranked second overall, edging Cuba's Dayron Robles at 13.42 seconds and David Oliver from the US at 13.27.

Back at the World Championships after years of battling an Achilles injury, Liu said he is satisfied with the result in the opening round.

"I feel good and relaxed," the 28-year-old said. "I didn't think too much, but followed my own beats in the race."

The rivalry between Liu and world record holder Robles is one of the top clashes in Daegu. Banners of the two are hung throughout the city. Oliver, who clocked the fastest time of the season at 12.94, joins them as "the big three."

If he is to win a medal, 2007 World Champion Liu will have to run three rounds in two days. He's not faced that level of competition since his injury, but he says he's prepared.

"I'm an experienced athlete that has gone through so many races, so I know what to do for this kind of race," he said. "I trained for this kind of schedule, so I have no problem with it. I will strive to run under 13 seconds in the final. I enjoy the competition."

Liu quickly emerged to lead his heat, slowing in the final meters thanks to his large advantage.

"We have to secure the position in next round," said Liu's coach, Sun Haiping. "Running like (he did) today saved his stamina and also achieved good results. It's the best situation for the next round.

The semifinals and final will be held tonight. The other two contenders are looking forward to what could be a remarkable final.

"Race went well," Oliver said after the heat. "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 as long as I keep doing that and run a little faster, I'll be straight."

Robles, who holds the world record of 12.87 seconds, has also been struggling with injuries.

"I'm feeling good. I felt normal today. Everything is okay. Right now, I feel confident," he said.

Another American, Jason Richardson, is also a strong contender - he qualified fastest at 13.19.

"I'm absolutely under less pressure," he said. "I'm definitely realistic. I know that nothing is expected on me," he said.