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Liu ready for Asiad, hopes to retain hurdles title

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Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang said yesterday he would compete at the Asian Games in Guangzhou next month and was even optimistic of his chances.

The Shanghai native is the holder of the 110 meters hurdles crown and has won the titles at the last two Asian Games.

The former world and Olympic champion, who has been battling a long-standing Achilles injury, said yesterday he was making a good recovery and hoped to complete a hat-trick of wins in the capital city of Guangdong Province.

"It should not be a problem," Liu said while taking part in activities relating to the 14th Shanghai Games. "My condition is pretty good," he said without elaborating.

Liu won the 110m hurdles title at the 2002 Pusan Asian Games in South Korea and in 2006 in Doha but since then has been struggling with injuries. He withdrew from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, disappointing millions of home fans.

Liu's last race was the IAAF Diamond League Shanghai in May where he was beaten by fellow hurdler Shi Dongpeng who had never beaten Liu before. Liu finished third behind Shi. American David Oliver won the race.

Shi has also moved up in the latest IAAF hurdles rankings, occupying the top place in Asia. He is likely to provide a stiff challenge to Liu in Guangzhou.

The extended nature of Liu's injury also prompted speculation about his future but the former world record holder is not keen to walk away defeated.

"The Asian Games is a preparation for all the competitions next year and the year after," Liu said, giving the clearest indication yet that he had the 2012 London Olympic Games in sight.