/world sport
OSAKA, Japan (AP) -- World record holder Liu Xiang of China coasted to victory in the 110-meter hurdles at the Osaka Grand Prix on Saturday, his first outdoor race of the season.
It was the fifth successive year that Liu had won the event in Osaka.
Running in rainy and cold conditions at Nagai Stadium, reigning Olympic gold medalist and world champion Liu clocked 13.19 seconds to finish well ahead of compatriot Shi Dongpeng, whose time was 13.63.
"I like Osaka. I competed in Osaka seven times and I've never been beaten. I want to come back next year again," said Liu.
"Considering that it's rainy and cold, I tried to run solid. I'm really satisfied with my race today and I'm happy to win the Grand Prix five times."
After Osaka, Liu plans to to compete in the Olympic test event in Beijing on May 22 in the National Stadium and three more races in the United States before the Olympics on home soil.
"I've competed in the Athens Olympics and I'm already the champion. I just try to be positive and try to do 100 percent of what I can do at Beijing," Liu added.
Jamaica's Maurice Wignall was third in 13.84.
Liu, China's best hope for track gold this summer at the Beijing Olympics, took control of Saturday's race after the second hurdle.
His main rivals Cuba's Dayron Robles and Americans Alan Johnson and Terrence Trammell -- did not take part.
Liu said afterwards that avoiding injury in the wet conditions was key.
"The most important thing is not to get injured," Liu said. "I was able to relax and run a good race."
Liu has said he's in better condition than he was four years ago in Athens, where he equaled the world record of 12:91 seconds to win gold.
Liu said he will spend the two months after the Reebok Grand Prix event training in Beijing.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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