Liu plans low-key return from injury

Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang will ease back into competition at smaller meetings as he continues to recover from surgery on his injured ankle, the former Olympic champion's coach said yesterday.

Liu underwent surgery on a damaged Achilles tendon at the end of last year and had hoped to mark his return at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix in September, but the former 110 metres hurdles world record holder is now expected to alter those plans.

"From what we can observe from the current situation, we can say that Liu Xiang is generally recovering well," Sun Haiping said.

"But if he wants to take part in big international meets, he is not able to do so under his current conditions," the coach added, ruling out the possibility of Liu defending his world championship title in August.

"If his injury recurs, we can say that his career will end," Sun said.