SHANGHAI, Sept 29: China’s Liu Xiang says he was surprised even to finish in the top three at the Golden Grand Prix here after putting his feet up since landing the 110 metres hurdles world title.

Liu got off to a slow start and lacked the acceleration to recover, finishing behind Cuba’s Dayron Robles and American Anwar Moore on Saturday.

The surprisingly poor performance by Liu, China’s most popular sportsman alongside Yao Ming, disappointed millions of fans who had expected a triumphant return for the world champion.

But Shanghai-born Liu said his 13.21 seconds, way off his world record of 12.88, was only to be expected.

“For the first after the world championships I didn’t really feel like training at all. I was really tired,” said Liu.

“I was happy actually to finish in the top three. It was unexpected.

“I tried my best but this is my current form. To be top three is something of a bonus. The rhythm wasn’t really there.”

Liu, 24, added the world title to his Olympic crown last month when he came from behind to clock 12.95, leaning ahead of Terrence Trammell at the line.

“This is normal, new guys are coming out every year, every day basically,”he said.—AFP