GUANGZHOU - Star hurdler Liu Xiang's first appearance at the Guangzhou Asian Games thrilled a huge crowd at Aoti Stadium on Monday night.

Liu Xiang of China pulls a face for the TV camera after winning his heat in the 110m hurdles on Monday. Liu led all qualifiers with 13.48 seconds. [Photo/China Daily]?

In the opening round of the men's 110m event, Liu clocked 13.48 seconds to easily top his heat and advance to the next round in his quest for a third successive Asian Games championship.

"I felt very relaxed today and it is only the first round," Liu said after the race.

"Today is a preparation for the final. I will fight on in the final."

Thunderous applause greeted China's track-and-field superstar when he walked into the stadium. During his introduction, Liu waved to the audience confidently - drawing even louder cheers.

"The spectators are very enthusiastic. I think this is a lucky place for me," said Liu.

"I took part in my first National Games here when I was 18 years old. At the Asian Championships here last year, I also won the gold. I will try to strive for a good result this time as well."

Before the race, Liu's coach Sun Haiping expressed concerns about the cool evening temperature, but Liu said it was all right for him.

"I used to run in even lower temperatures, so today is fine," he said. "Everything was good for me today. I will try my best in the final. I hope I can finish within 13.20 seconds."

Since his arrival in Guangzhou, Liu has been training in isolation. He quietly moved into the Athletes' Village on Saturday evening and remained in his room for most of the time.

All requests from volunteers for photos and autographs have been turned down.

"I had to refuse them all, since more than 100 volunteers showed up within minutes," said Yang Peigang, an official from the Shanghai sports bureau in Liu's hometown.

Liu's appearance at the stadium prompted a standby alert to all staff for an expected overflow of spectators and media.

Liu's teammate, Shi Dongpeng, who beat him at the Diamond League meet in Shanghai on May 23, also qualified for the final, in 13.89 seconds.

Shi was not satisfied with that result and aims to be faster in Wednesday's final.

"My body was so tight today that I could not get a good result," said Shi. "I will do my best in the final and I hope I can achieve my best result."

China Daily