Olympic high hurdles champion Liu Xiang faces a challenge from world champion Ladji Doucoure of France in what promises to be the highlight of today's Paris Golden League athletics meeting.

China's Liu, juggling a busy agenda this year with plans to break his world record of 12.88 seconds and to win gold at the world championships in Osaka next month, is certainly not taking Doucoure lightly.

"I consider Ladji to be my most dangerous opponent", Liu, who was narrowly beaten by the Frenchman at the 2005 world championships in Helsinki, told reporters. "I think he has the same potential as me."

Doucoure, who has fallen out with the Paris organizers over money but will definitely compete, struggled last year with a calf injury.

"Ladji has worked extremely hard to recover from his injury," said his coach, Renaud Longuevre. "He went through gruelling training sessions in the United States and really impressed me."

Liu and Doucoure will have to keep an eye on Cuba's Dayron Robles, the world indoor 60 meters silver medalist, who is also starting the Paris race.

The event, the second of six Golden League meetings, also features an appetising 1,500 meters which should feature a battle between European champion Mehdi Baala of France and Kenya-born American Bernard Lagat.

While the women's 100 meters should be entertaining with Americans Lauryn Williams and Allyson Felix facing local favorite Christine Arron.

(China Daily via Agencies July 6, 2007)