Liu, taking part in the IAAF Indoor Championships and has advanced to the semi-finals after easing his way through the qualification round of the 60m hurdles.

 

This is Liu Xiang's first appearance at a world championship since getting back on the track following an Achilles tendon injury that left him unable to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Running in the 6th lane, Liu had a 0.219 seconds reaction time off the start, ranked third in his group. Liu would keep that position through the race, finishing in a time of 7.79 seconds. Liu's third place finish was good enough to see him through to semi final on Sunday.

Liu Xiang, 3rd in Qualification Race, said, "My safety is the most important thing for me. I should run cautiously. If my foot feels fine, then I can comeback to my best form. It all will depend on my foot."

Shi Dongpeng advaces to semi's

Another Chinese Shi Dongpeng ran in the fourth group, which was the strongest among all the five groups. Finally, Shi finished the race in fourth with a time of 7.83 seconds, he has also advanced into the semi-final.

Two-time 60m World Indoor Championship winner Terrence Trammell competed in the second group, he displayed the power that has made him a champion.

Trammel's 7.60 seconds was slower than his season best of 7.41 seconds, but it was enough for him to advance, as he finished in first place of the group.

Another favourite Dayron Robles got off to a slow start to his race through the first three hurdles, but he still easily claimed first place of his group with a time 7.74 seconds.