Liu less confident in his first 2008 tournament

(BEIJING, February 14) -- China's 110-m hurdles champion Liu Xiang acknowledged that he is not as competent as Cuban hurdler Dayron Robles in indoor athletic competitions.

"I am not as good as people expect in the indoor competitions. Everyone is clear that my inherent conditions are weaker than Robles."

He said: "Robles is likely to overpower me in the World Indoor Championships running 7-9 in March in Valencia."

"I view this tournament as a test to my form after the winter training. I don't have high hopes in Valencia. I am unlikely to finish first."

Liu's coach Sun Haiping said:" Liu is in need of a longer process to adjust his if he hopes to be in top form, as in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games."