It's not all about the technique

BEIJING - While the media attributes Liu Xiang's triumph at the IAAF Diamond League Shanghai leg to his newly-modified, seven-step start, an athletics expert claims the effect of Liu's new move has been exaggerated.

Wu Wenqiang, professor of the athletics department at the Beijing Sport University (BSU), claimed Liu's fine performance at the Shanghai race was due to his overall smooth form, rather than the advantage of saving a step.

"Running with eight or seven steps before reaching the first hurdle is actually not so decisive for elite athletes such as Liu," Wu told China Daily on Monday after witnessing him win the race in 13.07 seconds, the year's best time, on Sunday night.