(Beijing, May 22) China's Olympic champion Liu Xiang reached the semifinals of the men's 110 meter hurdles by winning his heat at the "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 China Athletics Open at the National Stadium this evening.

Liu, the world record holder in the 110 meter hurdles, clocked 13.63 in his long-awaited debut appearance at the Bird's Nest to top his group. Leading in the first round heats was Liu's compatriot Shi Dongpeng, who ranked first with 13.58.

From third to fifth were: Yin Jing, Xing Yanan and Ji Wei of China. Naito Masato of Japan clocked 13.79 to be sixth, ahead of Aussie Justin Merlino and China's Li Haolun.