Liu Xiang sets up Allen Johnson duel in Japan
(Sportinglife.com)
Updated: 2004-09-23 16:47

China's Olympic gold medalist Liu Xiang is to defend his reign over 110m hurdles against a revengeful Allen Johnson at the IAAF All-Star Tournament, kicking off on Thursday in Yokohama, Japan.

Liu Xiang (L) competes Allen Johnson in IAAF Golden League.[Xinhua]

The 21-year-old Liu Xiang, clinching his first men's world title in the summer's Olympic Games, mounts a fierce duel with the event's record holder Allen Johnson, being unbeaten for all this season until tumbling down onto the tracks in Athens this summer.

But Allen Johnson quickly found his form back, clocking 13"16 in the event at the IAAF Golden League final two weeks ago in Berlin. Liu Xiang was absent from the competition, without the permission from his federation.

Liu Xiang, being trapped in unceasing domestic celebrating ceremonies and short of regular training back from Athens, confessed "not completely recovered". While coach Sun Haiping has been more optimistical, believing his boy could finish well within 13"20. 

Liu Xiang equalised 110m hurdles world record at Athens this summer at 12"91, enough for setting up a new Olympic Games record. Allen Johnson fell off at heats.

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