May 11, 2007	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 23, 1428

BEIJING, May 10: China's world record 110 metre hurdler Liu Xiang is feeling relaxed and hungry for gold at this year's world championships in Japan, local media reported on Thursday.

Liu, who took the Olympic title in Athens in 2004, was beaten by Frenchman Ladji Doucoure by 0.01 seconds at the last world championships in Helsinki in 2005.

“In the last three (world championships), I have grabbed a second and a third placing. Truly, I really want to have a taste of world championship gold,” Liu told Thursday's Beijing News.

“No matter that the race is very important. Now, whatever races I face, there's no pressure or burden, because I have become stronger,” Liu said.

“Now I just want to run freely and enjoy racing. Osaka is a lucky place for me, I hope it can bring me some luck and a good result.”

Liu cruised to victory on Saturday in his first overseas race of the year, at the IAAF Japan Grand Prix in Osaka, clocking 13.14 seconds - well outside his world record time of 12.88.

The 23-year-old conceded there was pressure to win gold in front of home fans at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “There's no need to talk myself up or have lofty ambitions.

It's best to keep my feet on the ground right now,” Liu said.

But Liu fired a warning shot at rivals for his Olympic crown.

“I don't fear competition, you could even say I like it...

This includes the Olympics. Without doubt, I'm very much looking forward to this race.”

—Reuters