Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang headed to Germany for his last tune-up before the Olympics begin in less than two weeks.

Liu left London mainly to avoid the wet and cold English weather, according to coach Sun Haiping.

"Other Chinese teams have also chosen to move their base thanks to London's cold weather, so Liu Xiang is not the only one,"Sun said.

Liu left for Germany after he pulled out of the London Diamond League final on Saturday due to pain in the muscles around his ribs. Liu's team allayed doubts that the "slight problem" will affect his performance in the Olympics.

"He will be sure to fight to the end in the Olympic Games," Sun said.

Liu's withdrawal drew instant attention, sparking various theories about his form. Some were afraid he would be forced to repeat his stunning withdrawal four years ago in the Beijing Games, while others speculated the pull-out was merely a tactic.

The men's 110m hurdles will be held on Aug 7 and 8.

Liu cruised into the Diamond League final after winning his heat in 13.27 sec before withdrawing. Merritt defied the cool, overcast conditions to equal his own season-best of 12.93.Richardson came in second in 13.06, and American Ryan Wilsonwas third at 13.18.

Liu is a medal favorite in Londonbut will face tough competition from the American contingent and enigmatic Cuban Olympic champion and world record holder Dayron Robles.