LIU XIANG narrowly won the 110m hurdles at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix on Saturday, pipping former Olympic and world champion Allen Johnson of the United States.

Local hero Liu, who set a world record of 12.88 seconds in July, completed the Shanghai race in 13.07 seconds, compared to 13.09 seconds for Johnson.

After a slow response to the starter’s fast gun — a 0.201 reaction time — Liu played catch-up with Johnson, his friendly rival who unexpectedly got the better of him last week in Athens. Liu caught Johnson by the ninth hurdle and by the time he cleared No. 10, he was out in front.

“I started slowly, but I ran very well in the second half of the race,” said Liu.

American Dominique Arnold, who hurdled 110m in 12.90 seconds in July, withdrew from the event Wednesday because of injury.

In women’s pole vault, Asian record holder Gao Shuying of China and 2005 world outdoor silver medallist Monika Pyrek remained tied for first through the first four heights (to 4.41m) with Germany’s Nastja Ryjikh in third. The deciding height was 4.51m, where Ryjikh moved into the lead with a first attempt clearance while Gao and Pyrek bowed out.

2006 World junior champ Zhou Yang was far off her best, managing only the opening height of 4.00m.

Merlene Ottey, who runs for Slovenia and has been dogged by injuries, came seventh in the women’s 100m sprint, which was won by American Allyson Felix in 11.17 seconds. Torri Edwards, also of the United States, and Jamaica’s Aleen Bailey came in second and third.

Tonique Williams-Darling of the Bahamas came fourth in the women’s 400m sprint, which was won by Jamaica’s Novlene Williams, who matched her personal best time.

Michelle Perry of the United States won the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.60 seconds, followed by compatriots Damu Cherry and Joanna Hayes.

(SD-Agencies)