Four-time world champion and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Allen Johnson turned back perhaps his potentially most threatening Olympic competition Thursday (July 2) at the Golden Gala in Rome, part of the IAAF's Golden League series.

According to the IAAF Web site, Johnson in Rome was clear of the field by the second hurdle. But Xiang Liu, the young world championships bronze medalist from China, came back on Johnson as both men crossed the line in 13.11. The 33-year-old Johnson was declared the winner in a photo finish. Xiang, who turns 21 on July 13, owns the fastest time in the world in 2004 with 13.06; Johnson's fastest time is 13.08. Both times were run in May.

Notable in Rome were rare losses by some of the most dominant athletes in the sport. Mexican 400m star Ana Guevara (49.74) was beaten by Tonique Williams of the Bahamas (49.25), as Williams ran a national record and 2004 world leader. World record holder Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco faded to eighth in the men's 1,500m (3:32.64) in a race won by Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain in a world-leading 3:30.25. Entering the Golden Gala, El Guerrouj had won 28 consecutive races and Guevara 24.

For full results of all IAAF competitions, visit www.iaaf.org