China's hurdling megastar Liu Xiang has fulfilled his promise of advancing to last 8 after finishing 7th in the men's 60m hurdles at the World Indoor Athletics Championships. Liu completed the race with his injured foot.

 

The former world and Olympic champion was lined alongside American Terrence Trammell in the semifinals. As expected, the 26-year-old followed Trammell to successfully make it to the final with a time of 7.68 seconds.

And in the final, Lliu was in lane 7, in blocks with Dayron Robles and Trammell for the first time in three years.

Liu got off to a poor start and was left behind soon. Trammell led going over the final hurdle, only for Robles, the reigning Olympic champion, to take gold in a championship record time of 7.34 seconds, edging out favourite Trammell on the line. Liu finished 7th in his season opener with a time of 7.65 seconds.

Liu Xiang, finishing 7th in men's 60m hurdlers, says,"My goal was just through to the final. I had a clear mind, putting myself in a right position. I felt I was unable to exert the strength on my foot. They all sprinted out, but I couldn't. 7.65 was okay, better than semifinal. "

Sun Haiping of Liu Xiang's coach says, "I think we reached our target. First of all, his injured foot is safe. It has not caused any further damage because of the race. Secondly, he accomplished the goal we made for him, to advance to last 8."