Liu Xiang: I could have won if there was no collision
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China's Liu Xiang said on Sunday that he could have won the 110 metre hurdles gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, if there was no collision with Dayron Robles of Cuba. In a press conference in Beijing, the silver medalist said he accepted the silver but that with no collsion he could've gone one better.
Liu Xiang said, "No matter silver, bronze, or gold Medal, for me I feel satisfied. I think a race is full of uncertainties and no one can predict the results. In the last few hurdles, I think I was capable of surpassing the other runners. I never thought Robles would collide with me. But I'm sure I can win if there was no collision."
In a much anticipated Men's hurdle final last Monday, Liu was expected to perform well. The former world champion looked to be timing his surge to perfection but a late stumble destroyed his gold medal hopes.
But the slow-motion replay reveals a different story. Robles grabs Liu at the ninth hurdle, and again on the 10th pulling Liu off balance and denying him almost certain victory. Subsequently, Robles was disqualified for pulling Liu Xiang out of the hunt for gold, handing victory to American outsider Jason Richardson while Liu has to settle for silver.
Liu's graceful manner in defeat earned him great respect globally. China's track and field superstar is now fully focused on next year's London Olympics.
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