Liu Xiang takes opening win in outdoor season

 　　TOKYO, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China's star hurdler Liu Xiang took the opening win in his outdoor season, storming to top podium in the men's 110-meter hurdles² event at the IAAF Golden Grand Prix in Kawasaki, Japan on Sunday.

　　With the absence of big names including Cuba's world record holder³ Dayron Robles as well as America's David Oliver, Aries Merritt and Ryan Wilson, the 28-year-old Liu emerged as the hottest favorite in Kawasaki. And Liu Xiang also proved his strength in the race, claiming the convincing victory in 13.09 seconds as he led from the start on a wet track.

　　Omo Osaghae of United States finished second in 13.33 while his countryman Ronald Brookins took the third position in 13.69.

　　Liu's winning mark is the second fastest time this season. America's Aries Merritt just set his personal best and the season fastest time of 13.03 seconds two days ago in Fayetteville, USA.

　　After withdrawing from the the Beijing Olympic Games due to a heel injury, Liu is keen to restore his glory in London this summer. It was the first outdoor race for the Athens Olympic champion who has adopted to the strategy of seven steps to the first hurdle¹.

　　Liu will next return to his home town Shanghai and compete in the Samsung Diamond League Shanghai leg on May 19 as part of his buildup for the London Olympic Games.

1 hurdle   

n.跳栏，栏架；障碍，困难；vi.进行跨栏赛

参考例句：

• The weather will be the biggest hurdle so I have to be ready.天气将会是最大的障碍，所以我必须要作好准备。
• She clocked 11.6 seconds for the 80 metre hurdle.八十米跳栏赛跑她跑了十一秒六。

2 hurdles   

n.障碍( hurdle的名词复数 )；跳栏；（供人或马跳跃的）栏架；跨栏赛

参考例句：

• In starting a new company, many hurdles must be crossed. 刚开办一个公司时，必须克服许多障碍。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• There are several hurdles to be got over in this project. 在这项工程中有一些困难要克服。 来自辞典例句

3 holder   

n.持有者，占有者；(台，架等)支持物

参考例句：

• The holder of the office of chairman is reponsible for arranging meetings.担任主席职位的人负责安排会议。
• That runner is the holder of the world record for the hundred-yard dash.那位运动员是一百码赛跑世界纪录的保持者。