Liu Xiang (R) of China wins
the men's 110 metres hurdles ahead of Anwar Moore of the US during
the British Grand Prix athletics meet at the Don Valley Stadium in
Sheffield, northern England on Sunday, July 15, 2007.
World-record holder Liu Xiang won the men's 110 meters hurdles
in 13.23 seconds against a headwind, and 0.04 seconds ahead of
American Ryan Wilson, in a rain-hit British Grand Prix in
Sheffield.
The Shanghai-born Liu said he was now looking forward to next
month's world championships in Osaka, Japan.
"I am confident for the world championships and of course will
try my best to do well in the competition," he said.
Liu said the number of Chinese fans in the crowd made it seem
like running at home.
Other high-profile trio of Tyson Gay, Jeremy Wariner and double
amputee Oscar Pistorius all suffered in the rain.
American Gay admitted he was unhappy with his performance after
winning the men's 100 meters. Gay, the fastest man in the world
this year with 9.84 at the US Championship last month, finished in
10.13. Britain's Marlon Devonish was 0.10 behind in second
place.
Persistent rain in Sheffield put paid to Gay's hopes of beating
the world record of 9.77 seconds, which is jointly held by Asafa
Powell and Justin Gatlin.
"I came to the track yesterday and the sun was out and it was
warm, so I was expecting the same thing but the weather turned
around," the 24-year-old told reporters.
"I really, expected to run better but I'm a little rusty and my
body just wasn't ready yet."
Olympic and world champion Wariner failed to race the 400
meters, losing his footing as he came out of the blocks.
American Angelo Taylor took advantage of Wariner's misfortune,
winning in 45.25 seconds, 0.39 seconds ahead of Australia's John
Steffensen.
South African Pistorius was disqualified for running outside of
his lane after trailing in last in 47.65 on the wet track.
Pistorius, who runs with carbon fiber blades for his lower legs,
finished in 47.65 seconds, well behind Angelo Taylor's winning time
of 45.25. He was called for running out of his lane.
After the race, Pistorius attacked the IAAF for making
"derogatory" comments about the Paralympics.
One official was reported to have opposed Pistorius' involvement
in able-bodied races on the grounds that it could pave the way for
athletes to compete wearing jet-packs on their backs.
"It would be a lot more productive to do the testing with me
rather than against me," he said. "For a federation that size
making allegations and derogatory comments about Paralympics, then
the least they can do is give me the opportunity to fight my fight
and work with me instead of against me. It's pretty unprofessional
the comments that they have made."
America's Wallace Spearmon won the men's 200 meters in a time of
20.08 seconds, narrowly edging out Usain Bolt of Jamaica, while
Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele enjoyed a comfortable victory in the
men's 3000 meters.
Allyson Felix won the women's 200 meters, finishing 0.09 seconds
ahead of fellow American Sanya Richards, posting a time of
22.35.
Alice Schmidt of the United States won the women's 800 meters
while Britain's Nicola Sanders won the women's 400 meters.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily?July 16, 2007)
