(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-29 00:55

SHANGHAI - China's super star Liu Xiang, who was upset by Dayron Robles at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix here on Friday, said that the Cuban was still not good enough to break his world record.

Cuba's Dayron Robles (R) and China's Liu Xiang compete in the men's 110m hurdles race at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix in Shanghai September 28, 2007. [Xinhua]

The local hero, running in his first race after winning the world champion in Osaka, finished third in 13.21 seconds, with Robles winning in 13.01 and American Anwar Moore was second in 13.20.

"Robles ran well tonight," said Liu, who holds the world record of 12.88 seconds. "13.01 is a good result. Since last year, Robles has improved rapidly. But I think it is difficult for people to break my world record."

The 20-year-old Robles stormed to 12.92 seconds in the IAAF Grand Prix Finals in Stuttgart last week. It was a Central American and Carribean record and his first sub 13 seconds time. He also tied the fifth fastest time ever run in the event.

Liu said, "Even 12.90 is a difficult task to finish. If you finished at 12.90, you could also take the trophy in every event."

Liu, also the reigning Olympic champion, attributed his loss to a lack of training after returning from Osaka.

"After winning in Osaka, I rested for about two weeks. I was tired and just wanted to have a good rest. He (Robles) now is in his top form. But my form is not good tonight.

"To tell you the truth, my coach Sun Haiping and I didn't expect a good result today. A medal is good enough for me and my coach."