Liu storms to gold and record

Liu Xiang achieved his twin aims of gold and a new Asian Games record when winning the men's 110m hurdles at Khalifa Stadium on Wednesday.

The Chinese superstar of the track was slow out of the start, but his superior speed and technique soon told and he stormed to the line in 13.15 seconds, 0.12 better than the Games record he set when winning in Busan, Korea four years ago.

It was double joy for China, as Liu dragged Shi Dongpeng through to a new personal best of 13.28 for the silver. The bronze went to Masato Naoto of Japan in 13.60. There was also noteworthy performance for the home fans to enjoy as Mohammed Essa MA Al Thawadi finished 6th in a new personal best of 13.89.

After his victory, Liu said, "Before the race I planned to run slower, but after the start I saw a black shadow following me. I was scared to be defeated by him. So I picked up. I felt very relaxed. If I am nervous I will not achieve a good result. Seeing as it's the end of the [competition] year, I am very satisfied with the result.

He also revealed his plans for the coming days, "I want to do some shopping. I heard that watches in Doha are very cheap. I want to buy some for my family." Looking further ahead in his career, he said, "My goal is to win at the Beijing Olympic Games. And see you in Guangzhou." He said, in reference to the next Asian Games.

After racing to silver, Shi said, "The first part was good, but my speed in the last part is not as good as Liu." Bronze medallist Naito said, "The competitor next to me [Shi] went fast. I was thinking that I was going to finish third at least. I wanted to try to finish second. I prepared well for the race, but I lack experience of real races." He also revealed something of his history with the gold medallist, he said, "I trained with Mr Liu Xiang when I was in high school with the same coach."

15th Asian Games, Doha 2006