Allen Johnson surprises Liu in NY showdown
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-12 08:49

Four-time world champion Allen Johnson surprised Olympic gold medallist Liu Xiang of China in an early season 110 meters hurdles showdown at the New York grand prix on Saturday.

The 1996 Olympic champion clocked 13.03 seconds for the fastest time in the world this year. Fellow American Dominique Arnold finished second in 13.05 seconds with Liu third in 13.11 after a false start.

Allen Johnson, left, and China's Xiang Liu clear a barrier in the 110 meter hurdles at the Reebok/NYC Grand Prix in New York, Saturday, June 11, 2005. Johnson won the race, Xiang finished third. [AP]

"This is just a stepping stone to Helsinki," Johnson said of the meeting with Liu, who is expected to be the favorite for August's world championships in the Finnish capital after tying the world record of 12.91 seconds in last year's Olympic victory.

"We'll race many more times this year."

Johnson, who surged to victory over the final barrier, said he was pleased with the way he hurdled.

Xiang Liu from China looks up after placing third in the 110-meter hurdles at the Reebok/NYC Grand Prix in New York, Saturday, June 11, 2005. [AP]

"It's about overcoming your mistakes in the race." the 34-year-old Johnson said.

Liu, victorious at last week's Prefontaine Classic in Oregon after Johnson was disqualified for a false start, said he was disappointed with his race.

"I didn't start well," Liu told reporters.

"I hit the first hurdle, and I knew if I rushed I would fall. (Johnson and Arnold) inspire me to work even harder."

GREENE TRIUMPH

Sydney Olympic champion Maurice Greene showed he was in form for the U.S. championships later this month by claiming the 100 meters in 10.08 seconds.

He defeated Olympic 200 meters gold medallist Shawn Crawford, who was timed in 10.10 seconds.

"I am like wine, the older I get, the better I am," the 30-year-old Greene said.

"I was born with confidence," the former world record holder added.

"If someone has a step on me or is stepping on me, I can always come out on top. I feel that my top end speed is better than anyone in the world."

U.S. heptathlete Michelle Perry upset compatriot and Olympic champion Joanna Hayes in the women's 100 meters hurdles.

Perry won in 12.45 seconds with Hayes second in 12.47 second for the fastest two times in the world this year.

Ethiopian women ran world-leading times in the distance events.

Olympic 5,000 meters champion Meseret Defar won the 3,000 meters in 8:33.57 and Athens bronze medallist Tirunesh Dibaba took the 5,000 meters in 14:32.42.

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