Hurdler Liu Xiang equals 12.87secs world record

Cuban hurdler Dayron Robles set the world record in Ostrava in the Czech Republic June 12, 2008. The former world record of 12.88 seconds was set by Liu in Lausanne on July 11, 2006, Xinhua reported.

Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang reacts after his win. Pic/AFP

Liu, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist, blasted out of the blocks and led from start to finish on Saturday with the help of a strong tailwind in front of a standing room crowd at Hayward Field.

American world indoor champion Aries Merritt finished second in 12.96, while Jason Richardson was third in 13.11 in a field that boasted hurdlers holding five of the top six times in the world this year.