BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Men's 110 meters hurdles world record holder Liu Xiang said here Thursday evening that the new track in the Bird's Nest is "very good" for running.

    After his debut at the China Athletics Open at the Bird's Nest, or the National Stadium, Liu said, "Although this is a test event, I have treated it seriously."

Photo taken on May 21, 2008 shows the overview of the inside of the National Stadium, nicknamed the Bird's Nest.

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.

Obviously saving energy for later competition, Liu easily entered the men's 110 meters hurdles semifinal at the event, which was regarded by him as an important competition.

    Liu said he was greatly concerned with the people who suffered from the disastrous earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

    "With help from all Chinese people, they'll be getting better, "the Olympic gold medalist said.