Reports have also said he will not show up to the annual Spring Festival Ceremony in February (China's lunar new year).

Liu, a national idol, entertained fans at the 2005 ceremony, along with other big-name stars.

"We will have to make sure nothing interrupts the winter training session," coach Sun said. "It is very important for Liu's future performances."

The closed-door session will go until March, followed by a few tournaments Liu will attend between March and June. The coach said Liu will compete in the tournaments to see how effective the trainings were.

Staying focused

Burdened with such high expectations and pressure, Liu can't wait to stand at the starting line of the 110m hurdles competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

"I am not in the mood to dwell on the 2007 season. I just hope the Games will come as soon as possible," said Liu, who had a glittering 2007, highlighted by a historic world title at the Osaka World Championships.

"The feeling of waiting for the big time is not good. It makes you nervous and the daily training is tough."

The Shanghai-born hurdler admitted that he'll just have to wait, and in the meantime he'll try to get himself into the best possible mental and physical form and try not to worry about the pressure upon him.

"It's a key factor behind success, keeping your mind focused," he said. "I tell myself it's just a normal competition and the only difference is it's on home soil."

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