Cuban Robles takes aim at US hurdlers

Olympic 110m hurdles champion and world record holder Dayron Robles is aiming to fend off a clutch of American rivals at the World Athletics Championships.

In the absence of Athens Olympic gold medallist Liu Xiang of China, who is also defending world champion from Osaka 2007, Robles is firm favourite for the event. The Guantanamo-born Cuban, who runs with silver-framed spectacles, has shown good form this season, most recently winning easily in Stockholm in 13.11sec despite two false starts.

Robles, who set the world record of 12.87sec in Ostrava last year, has also clocked the two best season performances (13.04 and 13.06sec respectively), and has been trying to put aside physical concerns to concentrate on winning world gold and perhaps even bettering his own record.

"My main opponents in the world championships will be the US hurdlers," Robles told the Spanish sports daily, AS.

The 22-year-old, who admitted that it was a shame Liu was unable to compete in the German capital, has also had to overcome a foot problem this season.

"I could only race once indoors in February, when I sustained a muscle injury. It was then discovered I had flat feet," he said.

"As all athletes, my eyes are also focused on Berlin this year. No Cuban has even won the world outdoor title (in my event). AFP