Sun Haiping, coach of Chinese star hurdler Liu Xiang, has played down Liu's medal chance in the Olympic Games, saying that reaching the top six will be a breakthrough for Chinese track and field.

Sun, making the final preparation in Beijing for next week's run, told reporters that the press has exaggerated Liu's ability to win something from the Olympics.

"Chinese athletes have never won a medal from track and field in the Olympic Games," he said. "And in the straight track (100m and 110m hurdle), it will be harder to win a medal.

"I think it will be a historic achievement for Liu to reach the top six," said the Shanghai coach.
Liu surprised the world by equalling his own record of 13.06 seconds in a home event in Tianjin, east China, which again raisedthe expectation of the fans. But American great Allen Johnson still holds the world's season best of 13.05 seconds.

Johnson, who won four outdoor world titles and one Olympic gold,is Liu's most difficult rival in Athens but Sun predicted Liu has some advantages.

"Liu is young and more hungry for an upset victory in Athens," Sun said.
 
(Xinhua News  Agency  August 10, 2004)