OSAKA, Japan (AFP) - All-conquering Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang overcame wet and cold conditions here to easily win the men's 110-metre hurdles at the Japan Grand Prix Saturday with the Olympics only three months away.

The 24-year-old Olympic and world champion, who also holds the world record of 12.88 seconds, clocked 13.19 to win at a canter in his first outdoor race of the season and sound a warning to the competition ahead of the Beijing Games in August.

Liu led a Chinese one-two finish with Shi Dongpeng, who timed 13.63, second, ahead of Maurice Wignall of Jamaica third in 13.84.

"I like Osaka. I competed in Osaka seven times and I've never been beaten. I want to come back next year again," said Liu.

"Considering that it's rainy and cold, I tried to run solid. Even it was rainy and cold, I clocked 13.19. I'm really satisfied with my race today and I'm happy to win the Grand Prix five times."

After Osaka, Liu is set to compete in the Olympic test event in Beijing on May 22 in the National Stadium and three more races in the United States before the Olympics on home soil.

"I've competed in the Athens Olympics and I'm already the champion. I just try to be positive and try to do 100 percent of what I can do at Beijing," Liu added.

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