Liu Xiang charged to victory in the 110 metres hurdles at the Diamond League’s Prefontaine Classic, holding off a star-studded field to equal the world record with a wind-aided 12.87sec run.

Liu, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist, blasted out of the blocks and led from start to finish with the help of a strong tailwind measured at +2.4 metres per second in front of a standing room crowd at Hayward Field.

Because of the tailwind, the 28-year-old Chinese sprinter does not get a share of the world record held by Cuba’s Dayron Robles.

“Of course I am happy,” said Liu, through a translator.

“But I can’t dwell on it (time). I need to keep looking forward.”

American world indoor champion Aries Merritt finished second in 12.96, while Jason Richardson was third in 13.11 in a field that boasted hurdlers holding five of the top six times this year.

Liu’s time was faster than his own world-leading time of 12.97, clocked at the Shanghai Diamond League meet last month and achieved without the aid of the wind.

He said a change in technique, taking seven steps before the first hurdle instead of his usual eight, has helped him get off to a strong start in 2012.

“The most significant thing about my technique is my start where I take seven steps,” Liu said.

“But today I made a mistake beginning on the third hurdle which lasted until the sixth hurdle because the wind was pushing me so much.”

Despite his performance, Liu, when asked if he should now be considered the favourite for London, replied: “No, for me I am already an Olympic champion.

“It is just a race for me. I always treat my races just like a regular race.”