(BEIJING, January 30) -- Sun Haiping, the coach of Chinese star hurdler Liu Xiang, told reporters that the Olympic title holder is able to complete the 110m course within 13s.

He told reporters that Liu's training performance has impressed him a lot.

"Some improvements are beyond my imagination," he said.

"Before winter training, I had hopes that he would finish within 13s. Now I am confident that he will achieve the goal."

Liu Xiang and his coach have left Beijing for Shanghai, marking an end to his second period of winter training.

They are making final preparations for the World Indoor Championships, which are slated for March in Spain, in the third period of winter training in Liu's hometown .

"Before the Spring Festival, Liu will continue to train. We're just changing the environment. There are no differences in terms of the training plans and intensity," Sun said.

Liu Xiang is the country's star hurdler, Olympic champion and world record holder. Now He has another title: member of the National Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

"That shows support and encouragement from the party as well as confidence in me from Chinese people," he said.

"I am very lucky to be a member of the CPPCC. If I can do something for the sports circle, it will justify my membership," Liu said.

Liu told his father that although he will be back in his hometown, he will insist on training.

"Though I am a CPPCC member, my profession is an athlete. I will train hard for that."

Liu may miss the CPPCC meeting scheduled for March 3-17, as he will be taking part in the World Indoor Championship in Valencia.

"This is the Olympic year. If I can achieve good results in the competition, I will make up for the tradeoffs."