China

Liu crowns at Shanghai Grand Prix

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-09-24 08:44

SHANGHAI - Liu Xiang, China's first male gold medallist in an Olympic track event, narrowly won the 110m hurdles at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix on Saturday, pipping former Olympic and world champion Allen Johnson of the United States.

Local hero Liu, who set a world record of 12.88 seconds in July, completed the Shanghai race in 13.07 seconds on a cool autumn night, compared to 13.09 seconds for Johnson.

American Dominique Arnold, who hurdled 110m in 12.90 seconds in July, withdrew from the event on Wednesday because of injury.

Merlene Ottey, who runs for Slovenia and has been dogged by injuries, came seventh in the women's 100m sprint, which was won by American Allyson Felix in 11.17 seconds. Torri Edwards, also of the United States, and Jamaica's Aleen Bailey came in second and third.

Tonique Williams-Darling of the Bahamas came fourth in the women's 400m sprint, which was won by Jamaica's Novlene Williams, who matched her personal best time.

Michelle Perry of the United States won the women's 100m hurdles in 12.60 seconds, followed by compatriots Damu Cherry and Joanna Hayes.