Liu Xiang ignites passions with victory in 13.34 at National Games (2)

Olympic goldmedalist Liu Xiang (R1) from Shanghai competes during the men's 110m hurdles of athletics at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 25, 2009. Liu claimed the title of the event. (Xinhua/Xu Jiajun)
The result was good enough for the 2007 world champion to win the title, but far off his former world record and personal best of12.88 seconds.

"I just wanted to keep the pace, keep steady. I kept watching my opponents during the race. I didn't make my utmost to spurt," Liu said after the race.

Ji Wei of the Peoples Liberation Army, who placed first in the Saturday's heats, finished second in 13.42. Liu's national teammate Shi Dongpeng stood third in 13.63.

Liu made an iconic bug-eyed expression to amuse the audiences before the race. The former record holder trotted around the stadium after crossing the line, waving arms to audiences, attracting thunderous cheers and applauses from a more than 50,000 crowd.

"Thanks a lot for the Shandong peoples' support and also the media. I felt great tonight, " Liu added.

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