NEW YORK, June 1: Chinese world record holder and Olympic champion Liu Xiang withdrew from the 110-metre hurdles event at the Reebok grand prix on Saturday because of a tight hamstring.

Liu, who had made the meet at Icahn Stadium one of only two competitions he planned between now and defending his Olympic title in Beijing, addressed Chinese supporters who came to Randall’s Island to see him.

Speaking in Chinese over the public address system, Liu thanked his fans for coming and said he had felt his muscle tighten during training on Friday.

“I hope everybody will cheer for the other athletes,” Liu told the crowd, which gave him a big cheer as he waved and walked off.

Threat of a thunderstorm caused a delay of one hour to Saturday’s meet, which was suspended for 45 minutes in the middle of the competition by lightening and a passing thundershower.

Liu’s only other scheduled meet is the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on June 8.

—Reuters