China's Olympic champion Liu Xiang hopes to get sweet revenge on evergreen American Allen Johnson at this weekend's Shanghai Golden Grand Prix.

The veteran hurdler beat Liu at the World Cup in Athens last weekend.

"Even though I've just got home from a month-long overseas schedule, I'm recovering very well. I think I will be at best on Saturday. Allen is pushing me and I will try my best," said the 23-year-old, who is 12 years younger than Johnson.

With the sudden withdrawal of top hurdlers Terrance Trammell and Dominique Arnold due to injuries, the 110m hurdles competition has become a showdown between two superstars of the past and present.

"I am always excited to compete at home. I hope I will win," said the Shanghai-born youngster.

Johnson said he was ready for the challenge.

"I feel the pressure a little bit as it is Liu's hometown. I am looking forward to the match. There will be lots of energy there. That will help us perform at a higher level."

"The louder the fans cheer, the faster we will run," he promised.

"Liu is a very good competitor. He's shows very good sportsmanship. He smiles even when he loses."

"As for the future, I plan to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics," Johnson added.

Liu admits he did not think Johnson could still be so good at the age of 35.

"It's incredible. He is a good example for me. I am sure he will run in 2008, even after 2008. He is always pushing me and inspiring me."

Peak condition

Liu's coach Sun Haiping believes he is now at the peak stage of his career, and is proving to everyone that he is one of the top hurdlers in the world.

"Liu is in the best form since his career started. He was in good shape in Germany and Athens this month. Although he did not win in Athens, it will not have any influence on his form. Sometimes a setback can be a motivation," Sun said.

"Liu has become much more mature. His times now hover around 13 seconds and this has put him among the best hurdlers in the world.

"His recent physical condition has set a solid basic for the aim of winning 2008 Olympic gold. We don't care about one or two losses at the moment. The main target is the Beijing Games."

Proof of Liu's good form came in the yesterday's newly released IAAF rankings. Second place in Athens was enough to lift Liu over previous leader Dayron Robles from Cuba into first place. Johnson's victory took him up the rankings, rising to 4th. Terrence Trammell of US is in 3rd.

Liu climbed to third place early this month following his victory in Stuttgart. He clocked an outstanding 12.93 seconds in the IAAF World Grand Prix final, setting a new tournament record.

Including the Stuttgart victory, Liu has won four out of six international races this year.

Liu picked up the season's first two titles in May at the Osaka Grand Prix in Japan and the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, US.

In July, he broke Briton Colin Jackson's 13-year-old world record of 12.91 at the Lausanne Grand Prix, winning with a time of 12.88.

Before the second place in the World Cup, on July 9 Liu had to settle for fourth place at the Golden league in Paris.

Source: China Daily