Liu Xiang.

China's star hurdler Liu Xiang is looking forward to his meeting with Cuban rival Dayron Robles when he starts his new season at the Birmingham indoor tournament on Saturday.

The reigning Olympic champion Robles pushed Liu back as they crossed the penultimate hurdle in last year's world championships in Daegu, South Korea. Robles, who won the race, was disqualified for the foul, allowing American Jason Richardson to take gold and Liu silver.

Liu said he had no issues with Robles. "I will say 'hello, mate, how are you doing?' when I meet him in England. I don't think he did anything wrong in Daegu. Those kind of things always happen in a competitive race. It's normal," he said. "We are both professionals. And most importantly, we are friends. We have competed against each other many times."

Liu, the 2004 Olympic champion, said the Birmingham and the world indoor championships in Istanbul are pivotal for his preparation for London.