Hurdler Liu Xiang stated his full recovery from a stunning Beijing Olympics exit.
The former world record holder, hitting the track at only his second event in a year, extended his lead over the last four hurdles to snatch the men's 110m hurdles gold medal in his season best 13.09 seconds.
His Chinese teammate and athletes' village roommate Shi Dongpeng took silver in 13.38.
Carrying a nation's expectations, Liu limped off two years ago with an Achilles injury before even starting his first heat at the Beijing Games, leaving the whole Bird's Nest (National Stadium) in stunned silence.
Liu's only other impressive result after comeback was at a September 2009 meet in Shanghai where he timed 13.15 seconds.
"I am very happy to win the 16th Asian Games title the third time," said the 27-year-old former Olympic and world champion after gold-winning final on November 24. "I didn't expect I could race in 13.09."
(CNTV.cn, Xinhua News Agency November 24, 2010) |