Sport News : Liu missed tying world record because of wind

The 2004 Athens Olympic champion won the race in 12.87 seconds in an impressive performance in the lead-up to the London Olympics.

The time equaled Cuban Dayron Robles' 2008 mark but did not count as a joint record because he was assisted by a gust measuring 2.4 meters per second, just above the allowable limit of 2.0.

Liu's fastest official time remains 12.88, set in 2006, and which stood as the word record for two years.

U.S. world indoor champion Aries Merritt finished second on Saturday in 12.96 with world out door champion Jason Richardson third in 13.11.

Earlier, Olympic 400m gold medalist LaShawn Merritt and 2004 Athens 100m Justin Gatlin both sped to victory.

Merritt ran down world champion Kirani James to win the 400 in 44.91 seconds.

James had run under protest after false starting. The protest was later dismissed, allowing Chris Brown of the Bahamas to be promoted as runner up in 45.24.

South African double amputee Oscar Pistorius, who is still seeking to qualify for the Olympics, finished last of the eight starters in 46.86.

Gatlin, undefeated this season, took the 100 dash in 9.90 seconds after a sluggish start, with Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade second in 9.93.

The times were well off the season-leading 9.76 Jamaican world record holder Usain Bolt set in Ro me on Thursday.

Olympic bronze medalist Walter Dix was fourth in 10.04.