Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang has defeated American world champion Jason Richardson to win the men's 110 meters hurdles at the Shanghai Diamond League yesterday.

Liu and Richardson were even through the first seven hurdles before the Chinese star pulled away to win in 12.97 seconds. American David Oliver finished second in 13.13 and Richardson was third in 13.16.

The race was a rematch of last year's controversial final at the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, in which Liu tangled with Cuban Dayron Robles over the final hurdles. Robles crossed the line first but was disqualified after Liu appealed, giving the gold to Richardson and the silver to Liu.

Robles did not enter the Shanghai meet.