Chinese stars ready to take over from Liu

Boasting breakthrough performances on the world stage, a group of promising Chinese athletes have emerged to take the baton from retired Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang as the nation's new leaders on the athletics stage.

When Su Bingtian flashed across the 100 meters finish line on the heels of Jamaican star Usain Bolt in the semifinals, and ultimately reached the final of the marquee event at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing on Sunday, the overwhelming cheers at the Bird's Nest drew high praise from Liu, who is working as a guest commentator at the event.