"We will start from zero, like we have never won anything," Sun said. "We will take every rival seriously and try to beat them."

Sun explained that in 2004 Athens Games, four-time world champion Allen Johnson was a target to reach as Liu was still a newcomer.

"As a newcomer, it's great if you can beat the best hurdler and it's also OK if you fail. This kind of mental conditioning awarded Liu the surprising gold medal," he said.

"We are now finding the same mental form. We have very strong opponents in Beijing. And in Athens, we had very good luck as Allen fell and Doucour broke his tempo. I do not think the good luck will come again in Beijing. What we can do is to keep the best form in all aspects."

Sun said the only thing he fears going into next August's Olympic Games is injury or ill health.

"We will intensify the training step by step in a bid to keep healthy. All the efforts will be in vain if Liu gets injured."

The head coach is confident the in-form hurdler will be able to stay fit and competitive until the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"Liu Xiang is now in very good form. We have no schedule for his retirement. It's very likely he will compete in the 2012 Games."

Sun said Liu, now 24, is stronger than in previous years. But he said it was difficult to predict if Liu would break the record again.

"Sports is unpredictable - weather, wind velocity and an athlete's condition all contribute to the results, it's about strength and luck," he said.

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