(BEIJING, February 3) -- Liu Xiang, the men's 110m hurdles Olympic champion, is staying low key in advance of the 12th IAAF World Indoor Championships, where he will be competing against his arch rival, Cuban sprinter Dayron Robles. Liu said Robles is likely to overshadow him in Valencia.
"I am less competent in indoor competitions compared to Robles, so he is likely to win," he said, adding that he would still strive for a top-three spot.
But he will not overwhelm me at outdoor competitions, he said.
The 2004 Athens Olympic men's 100 m hurdles champion has left Beijing for his hometown of Shanghai to proceed with his winter training.
"I am pleased with my results from winter training," he said, adding he is much "stronger."
Liu's hometown has been affected by a rare streak of cold temperatures and heavy snow.
"Shanghai is colder than Beijing."
