Liu Xiang dramatically dropped out of his 110 meters hurdle heat this morning spelling the end of China's best hope for a track and field gold. The 2004 Olympic champion apparently hurt his right leg while warming up before the race.

In the last heat of the first round, Liu quitted the race after a false start in the heat. He limped off the track, obviously being troubled by a foot injury.

World record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba earlier breezed through to the next round, clocking 13.39 seconds.

He said, "I'm perfect today, and the track is good for breaking world record."

Without Liu and Olympic silver medalist Terrence Trammell of the United States, who fell down to the track in heat five, Robles will be almost unbeatable in the finals.

Liu's teammates Shi Dongpeng and Ji Wei were also qualified for the next round.

(China.org.cn, Xinhua?News Agency?August 18, 2008)