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Liu Xiang Wins Gold at East Asian Games

The East Asian Games' brightest star Liu Xiang stormed home first at the men's 110-metre hurdles event on November 2.

The Olympic champion clocked 13.21 seconds, well off his world record of 12.91.

Liu's teammate, Shi Dongpeng, who had a false start, timed 13.36 seconds for the silver with Japan's Kota Kumamoto in third place in 13.89.

Liu became one of China's biggest celebrities after winning a gold medal and levelled the world record in the Athens Olympics in 2004.

His top time in 2005 is 13.05 seconds, which is 0.08 seconds behind this season's best 12.97 set by Frenchman Ladji Doucoure, who beat Liu into second place in the world championships.

Liu ran 13.10 at Chinese National Games in Nanjing in October.

"I knew I would win, although I felt tired after the National Games," Liu said after the race.

"I had thought the year following the 2004 Olympics would not be so busy. But it turned out to be very busy. I competed in Golden League races and world championships and quite a few domestic races."

Liu said he was happy with his performance in 2005.

"I didn't fall out of the top three in international meets and have won all the domestic races," he said. "I have nothing to complain about."

Liu said the East Asian Games was not his last race of the year 2005.

"After this games I will run in some indoor and World Cup races," he said.

The 22-year-old has been to Macao three times, but only once for a competition.

"Macao did quite a good job in hosting the East Asian Games," he said. "They have put in lots of efforts and money."