JINAN, East China, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Athens Olympic champion Liu Xiang said the gold medal would bring "new hope" to him after the victory in the men's 110m hurdles in 13.34 seconds at the 11th Chinese National Games here on Sunday.

    "In my career, I have collected many gold medals. But this one is special, and it brings 'new hope' to me," said Liu after the passionate race which attracted a 50,000-plus crowd to watch in a sold-out stadium.

    "Though it is my third one in a row in three Games, it is the first gold after I recovered from the surgery. National Games is the most important domestic event, for next Games, I will be 30, who knows what will happen," Liu said.

    Liu's victory on Sunday made him become the first Chinese athlete to win an event in a row in three straight Games. The race for him was not a big challenge, as the nicknamed "flying man" said he needed to keep "steady".

    "I just wanted to keep the pace, keep steady. I kept watching my opponents during the race. I didn't make my utmost to spurt," Liu said after the race.

    "Now I can do it within 13.20, and I hope I can run within 13.10next year," he added.

    The race was Liu's first since he staged his comeback from Achilles tendon surgery last month at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix. He finished second in a wind-aided 13.15 seconds after crossing the line neck and neck with American Terrence Trammell.

    Liu said the surgery nearly beat himself 13 months ago, but with one match after another, he gradually recovered especially with the gold just gained.

    "It was my second match after the surgery. This gold is meaningful for me. The Games was just a prelude, I still need to keep calm. Step by step, that's what I need to do. I still believe in myself." Liu said.