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As the man who proves that Chinese are as fast as anyone in the world, Liu Xiang is considered the pride of China sports. This champion is expected to defend his title and win gold on home soil in the Beijing Olympics. That’s why a ticket to the men’s 110 meter hurdles is extremely hard to get. Unless the Godfather owes you a favor, I don’t think a Chinese would sell his ticket to watch Liu in the finals.

However, even my 80-year old neighbor was shocked yesterday when Liu Xiang took off his number and limped off the tracks. Liu officially quit yesterday due to an injured hamstring. I believe this is a test to 1.3 billion people as their fervent hope turns into utter disappointment. As for Liu, I don’t think we have seen the last of him. So much emotion is bottled up inside this man right now. I believe it will propel him to achieve something extraordinary.

Other Headlines Today

• President Hu to visit South Korea, the republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan from August 25th to 30th. Hmm... I bet the Olympic closing ceremony is on the 24th.

• The stock market closed at 2,319.87 yesterday falling 62 percent from the high around 6,000. The market will test the previous high of last bullish run at 2,245.43. Other than environmental problems, I don’t think the stock market reflects reality in the economy.

• Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf resigns after nine years in power. Blamed for many things that went wrong with the country, this once adored president has been dropping off in the popularity polls since he decided to take the country in another direction by closely working with the United States on anti-terrorism measures. Presidents come and go just like the sun rises and falls.
  

• Prepare for another wave of summer coming your way in the next few days. The high will hit 36 degrees Celsius. Also the weather center issued a thunderstorm warning, so watch out before talking over a cell phone in an open field. Unless you want to know what it feels like to be barbecued.

Zaobao! Zabao! is a daily article by Li Yizhong that translates and puts into brief perspective the headlines of the Shanghai Morning Post's daily newspaper. Read more of his work on the Zaobao! Zaobao! blog.