Liu, Robles re-match in Birmingham today

China’s Liu Xiang will face Dayron Robles for the first time since their controversial clash at last year’s World Championships when they meet in the 60 metres hurdles in Birmingham today.

The duo’s race, ahead of their expected showdown in the high hurdles final at the London Olym-pics, promises to be the highlight of the Birmingham Grand Prix at the National Indoor Arena.

Reigning Olympic 110 metres hurdles champion Robles was first across the line in Daegu in August but was subsequently disqualified for impeding Liu, who eventually took the silver medal.

Liu, the 2004 110m Olympic gold medallist in Athens, insisted he bore Robles no ill will as a result of their clash in South Korea.

“I don’t think he did anything wrong in Daegu,” Liu said.

“Those kind of things always happen in a competitive race. It’s normal.

“We are both professionals,” the 28-year-old added.

“And most importantly, we are friends. We have competed against each other so many times.”