China's Liu Xiang broke the 110m hurdles world record in 12.88 seconds at the Athletissima Grand Prix in Lausanne overnight.

The previous record of 12.91 was set first by Welshman Colin Jackson in winning the world title in August 1993. Liu matched that at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he became China's first-ever sprint gold medallist.

"I can't believe it, I can't express it," Liu said.

"I had a good start and after the first five hurdles it was a perfect race. I think I can still run even faster."

He was pushed throughout the race with Dominique Arnold of the United States in second also breaking the old record in 12.90.

Only three days ago, Liu struggled to a fourth-place finish at the Gaz de France meet outside Paris.

He ran a victory lap tonight, shirtless and flailing his arms before climbing to sit on the red metal clock on the field that showed his record time.

Liu also set a junior world record in Lausanne four years ago.

"It is my place of good luck and joy," he said. "It's where I won four years ago with such a good time. I always feel so good here."

The pressure on Liu to defend his Olympic title at his home Games in Beijing in 2008 will continue to grow.

In another phenomenal performance American Xavier Carter ran the second fastest 200m ever.

The 20-year-old Carter clocked 19.63 seconds in the 200m, second only to Michael Johnson's world record 19.32 at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

"Michael Johnson was a great runner and with this time, I know I'm right up there," Carter said.

This year, Carter became the first athlete since Jesse Owens in 1936 to win four titles at the US college championships, and the first in the event's 86 years to achieve the 100-400 double.

Olympic and world champion pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva posted another world best for the year, soaring 4.90m.

The Russian tried to break her own world record of 5.01m, but missed three attempts at 5.02m. She has set 19 records, indoor and outdoor.

American Marion Jones continued her winning ways by leading a US 1-4 sweep in the women's 100.

Jones won in 10.94, Me'Lisa Barber was second in 11.03, Torri Edwards third in 11.07, Lauryn Williams fourth.

Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei posted a season and personal best in winning the women's 800 in 1:56.66.

Three Australians competed in Lausanne. Sarah Jamieson returned to European competition with a fifth placing in the 1500m.

Jamieson ran 4:03.51, just outside her personal best of 4:03.13 to show that her strong form continues. The event was won by Russian Yelena Soboleva in 3:58.60.

Commonwealth pole vault Champion Kym Howe tied for fourth place with 4.50m behind Isinbaeva.

Finally, Commonwealth Games team captain Clinton Hill finished sixth in a competitive 400m clocking 45.54sec, behind Jamaican Jermaine Gonzales who won in 44.91sec.

AOC with AP