Liu Xiang survived three false starts to make good on his promise by winning the 110 metre hurdles last night at the Golden Grand Prix meeting.
Appearing in his first meeting in his home town since catapulting to fame with his success at last year's Athens Olympics, the 22-year-old lived up to all the hype - and soaked up all the pressure - as he came from behind to beat American great Allen Johnson.
'I feel a great burden has lifted,' said Liu after a victory lap around a packed Shanghai Stadium. 'There were people wishing me well, shouting out my name and waving banners from the time I left my hotel until I arrived at the stadium.'
Liu's time of 13.05 seconds was not his best (he shares the world record of 12.91) but under the circumstances it was a phenomenal performance.
Dominique Arnold, who has been enjoying one of his best seasons ever, false-started twice and was disqualified.
The American was visibly distraught, screaming at the officials for several minutes before storming off the track. If Liu was put of by this, he didn't show it.
