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)