China's Liu Xiang (R) wins the men's 110 meters hurdles, ahead of Allen Johnson of the U.S., at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, May 28, 2006. Liu won in a time of 13.21 seconds. [Reuters]

Doucoure, the Frenchman who won last year's world title, was a distant second at 13.33. Johnson, 1996 Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion, was third at 13.39.

"I think this year I can run under 13 seconds," said Liu, who in 2004 equalled the world record of 12.91 seconds. "My (sprained left) ankle is not good yet, so I can't do the best."

The meet was held on a wet track after several days of bad weather, but the rain stopped just before the meet began.

Distance running great Hachim El Guerrouj got a standing ovation in a farewell lap following his announcement earlier that he was retiring from racing. He paused in front of the stands to throw kisses to the crowd.

In one of the best races of the day, reigning world champion Michelle Perry leaned in just ahead of Damu Cherry to win the 100 hurdles in 12.63 seconds, tying Priscilla Lopes of Canada for the fastest time in the world this year.

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