He even tried to escape from the post-race interviews by taking a side route, but was stopped by the horde of reporters at the exit.

With relatively weak competition, Liu said he did not perform at his top level and relaxed a bit for the final ten meters.

Liu was satisfied with his first experience on the Olympic track and with his performance.

"The venue is very good and I put on just normal performances," Liu said. "I have experienced so many competitions and so it is easy to adapt to this venue.

Men's 110 meters hurdles world record holder Liu Xiang competes on Thursday night during the China Athletics Open at the National Stadium, nicknamed the Bird's Nest.

But he said posting a fast time was not a priority less than two weeks after a major earthquake killed more than 50,000 of his compatriots in southwestern China.

"I have also been focusing on the quake these days," said Liu, as he issued an appeal for help for the victims.

Later, in the women's 10,000m, an all-Chinese race, Zhang Yingying claimed first place, running in 31 minutes 38.36 seconds. She was followed by Bai Xue and Chen Rong.

The last test event for the main Olympic venue has attracted more than 900 athletes from 14 countries and regions to compete in 42 events.

More than 20 athletes with disabilities will also compete in four Paralympic events, including wheelchair racing and wheelchair throwing.

The stadium hosted an international race /walk and an international marathon in April.

(China Daily May 23, 2008)