China's 110m hurdles sensation and world record holder Liu Xiang finished 13.74 seconds and compatriot Shi Dongpeng sprinted 13.71 in the men's 110m hurdles first round heats at the 15th Asian Games December 11, 2006, both cruising to the final race next day.

A television crew films world record holder Liu Xiang of China after he competed in the men's 110m hurdles first round heats at the 15th Asian Games in Doha December 11, 2006. [Reuters]

The 23-year-old hurdler won his first Asian title at 2002 Busan Games, where he clocked 13.27 seconds in a new meet record. He said he came to Doha to shatter the 13.27.

However, the wet weather in Doha and uncomfortable track denied a better result from the heats, as Liu told CCTV sports journalists, who were stationed near the track to cover track and field events in Doha. He said a possible new record relies heavily on good weather.

Another contributor to Liu's possible good result is the pressure from his teammate Shi Dongpeng, Liu's runner-up in China and World No. 30. "Wet weather and hard track is the same to everyone, and I won't let Liu win that easily," Shi told CCTV after the heats round.