Former Olympic 110 metres hurdles champion Liu Xiang said he's ready to challenge for the world title later this year despite finishing third in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Liu came in at 7.60 seconds in the 60m hurdles race behind Petr Svoboda of Czech and American Kevin Craddock who both clocked 7.57.

Liu said he's now looking forward to the world championships in Daegu, South Korea. The 2004 Athens Olympic champion has also set his sights on an Olympic title in London next year.

World record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba earlier pulled out of the event due to a thigh injury sustained in Stuttgart the previous Saturday.

(CNTV.cn February 11, 2011)