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Liu Xiang joined by other big stars in athletics

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-21 00:39

JINAN, East China: Though Liu Xiang was the first Chinese athlete to win a Olympic track gold and one of the nation's biggest star, the six-day athletic events at the 11th National Games will not only focus on the 110-meter hurdle hero.

Xing Huina of the host Shandong province, the Athens Olympic gold medallist at 10,000-meter race, will step up to defend her title at 5,000-meter distance on Wednesday, which is the opening day of the track and field events slated for October 21 to 26.

20-year-old Gong Lijiao, third-place in women's shot put at World Championships in August, became the favorite to dominate in the national arena.

Related readings:  Hero Liu Xiang back on track, finishes 2nd  Judo Olympic champion withdraws from National Games due to back injury  Olympic champion Du Li ends National Games trip with bronze  11th National Games opening ceremony lights up Jinan

Elsewhere, in women's hammer throw, Zhang Wenxiu, the Beijing Olympics bronze medallist, aimed to claim title in full confidence.

Besides, men's hammer throw, 10,000-meter race and 3,000-meter steeplechase will produce the other three golds on the first day.

Liu Xiang, the former world record holder, was due in the starting blocks for the 110-meter hurdles heats on Saturday and finals on Sunday if he goes on wheels.

While Bai Xue, the newly-crowned world women's marathon champion, looked to chase a long-distance running gold medal at the national top sport gala.