IAAF, the world athletics governing body, has ratified the men's

110m hurdles world record of 12.88 seconds set by China's Liu Xiang.

 

The Olympic gold medalist set a new world record in Lausanne last month with a time of 12.88 seconds, beating the record he previously held together with Britain's Colin Jackson.

 

The new world record holder has confirmed that he will captain the Chinese team for the four-nation athletics showdown in Birmingham, Great Britain, featuring China, Britain, Russian and the US on August 19 and 20.?

 

Two-times world champion Colin Jackson believes the international match in Birmingham will provide a fantastic opportunity for athletes and spectators alike to see for themselves the strength in depth of the Chinese team.

 

"I think it's great to see the Chinese athletes over in the UK as it's only on very rare occasions that you actually see them compete abroad. You don't see them on the circuit often but whoever they bring over here, there is no doubt they'll be great runners," commented Jackson.

 

"Xiang ran incredibly well in the race in Lausanne – it was a phenomenal performance and it will be really interesting to see how he runs over in the UK. We'd like to see athletes like Xiang competing much more and the Norwich Union International in Birmingham is an ideal opportunity. In fact in will be great for the world to see the whole Chinese team and witness what they can produce."

 

The Shanghai athlete will provide tough competition for the opposition, led by US Champs bronze medalist Ryan Wilson and Nottingham's Andy Turner, who won Commonwealth bronze earlier this year.

 

(CRI August 4, 2006)