China's 110m hurdles world record holder Liu Xiang and
Jamaica's 100 metres world record holder Asafa Powell made the most
impressive marks on the opening day of the IAAF World Grand Prix finals.
Powell ran yet another sub 10 second race though he didn't threaten his
record of 9.77sec and Liu made a stunning return to the international
circuit after taking time off since breaking the world mark in July in
Lausanne.
Liu timed 12.93sec in the event and admitted to not feeling too
surprised at his excellent run.
"I felt really well before the race and I knew I was in really good
shape," said the 23-year-old Olympic champion.
"After my world record (12.88sec breaking Colin Jackson's 13 year old
mark of 12.91) I returned to Beijing and got a lot of rest," added Liu.
However Liu promised more of the same at the World Cup in Athens this
weekend.
"The World Cup has been my end of season objective and that is why I
didn't give it my all," said Liu.
Unlike Liu, Powell was undecided about the World Cup.
"I feel a little tired, the season has been long but a rich one," said
Powell, who started way back in March at the Commonwealth Games where he
won the 100m title.
"I will see whether I run in Athens next week."
Powell admitted that he had not threatened his world record because he
was nervous of false starting
.
"There had already been one so I didn't want to be disqualified for
doing the second one. I am not disappointed in my time at all."
(Agencies)
