Liu wins in rain but no joy for Gay

China Daily | Updated: 2007-07-17 06:56

Liu Xiang (right) of China wins the men's 110 meters 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. Reuters

SHEFFIELD, England: Liu Xiang of China, the men's 110 meters hurdles world record-holder and Olympic champion, won his race in 13.23 seconds, 0.04 seconds ahead of American Ryan Wilson in the rain at Sunday's IAAF British Grand Prix.

"Despite the difficult conditions and a tough track, I had a good race," said Liu.

He is 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," the runner from Shanghai said.

Liu Xiang made a winning return to Lausanne last Tuesday 12 months after setting a stunning world record. He beat Anwar Moore of the United States in a time of 13.01s.

High-profile trio 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 Championships 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, 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.

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.

Felix said: "The weather wasn't the best so it was a case of getting to the line first. I have been working on my curve running so I am happy with that."

Agencies

(China Daily 07/17/2007 page24)