Olympic gold medallist Liu Xiang of China leaps over a hurdle as he competes with Allen Johnson of the United States during the men's 110m hurdles final at an international track and field meet 2004 in Yokohama, south of Tokyo September 23, 2004. (Reuters)

World record holder Liu Xiang of China defeated four-times world champion Allen Johnson to win the men's 110-metre hurdles at the Yokohama track and field meet on Thursday.

And the 21-year-old Olympic champion wasted no time in declaring that he would set a new world record in his event.

"My goal is to set a new world record. I believe I have potential. I'm still 21 and you will peak at around 25," said Liu.

"I promise that I will break the world record some day and keep the record for China forever."

In May the 21-year-old set a new Asian record of 13.06 to beat Johnson in winning the Japan Grand Prix in Osaka, boosting his confidence for the Athens Olympics.

In Athens Liu tied the world record of 12.91 to win the gold medal, becoming the first-ever Olympic champion from Asia in a track event. Johnson failed to reach the final in Athens after a fall in the second round.

In Yokohama Liu clocked 13.31 seconds, ahead of Maurice Wignall of Jamaica in 13.33 and Johnson, the American Atlanta Olympic gold medallist, in 13.41.

"I defeated Allen again today but this is not a big race, it doesn't mean anything. Nobody is on top form. I want to beat him again in a big race," said Liu.

"The victory in the Olympics has changed everything for me. At home in China, everybody receives me enthusiastically. I'm always fearing that people might rob me of everything, including my clothes," he joked.

"But the Athens Olympics already belongs to the past. I need quiet conditions for my training, looking forward to the Olympics to be held at home in four years' time. I'm going to keep myself calm."

(Agencies)

peak: to reach the highest point; attain maximum intensity, activity（到達最高點）