Asiad torch relay comes to Shantou

SHANTOU, Guangdong province - Rising China sports star Liu Xiaosheng carried the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games' flame on Thursday as the torch relay continued its tour of the coastal city.

"It is a great honor to carry the torch in my hometown, although I don't need to run as fast as I do in track and field competitions," Liu told China Daily with a smile.

Liu, who is preparing for next month's event, is widely regarded as the country's most promising track and field star behind hurdler Liu Xiang.