That will be Liu's second race since he got injured  at the Beijing Olympic Games in August 2008. He staged his comeback race at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix last month, where he ran in a wind-aided 13.15 for second place, only narrowly beaten by world No 2 Terrence Trammell of the US. Liu's timing at Shanghai is tied for ninth-fastest in world rankings this year by the IAAF, the world athletics governing body, but is well off his personal best of 12.88 and the current world record of 12.87.

"Liu Xiang may not have trouble mentally accepting the need for training intensively, but it is still not sure whether his body can take the strain or not. According to doctors, he may begin intensive training only in December."

"His result of 13.15 seconds in Shanghai has raised expectations, but I hope he can hold his full strength in the following races, since his injury has not healed completely," Sun (the coach of LIU) said.

Everyone in JINAN wants to see  Liu, get his signature and take a photo together.