Chinese women volleyball team and 110m hurdler Liu Xiang have been elected the Best of 2004 on an online poll cast by local Sina.com.

The women volleyball team, directed by the head coach Chen Zhonghe, claimed the Olympic champion for the first time in 20 years by managing a stunning 3-2 win over Russia.

While Liu Xiang became the most popular athlete of China after clinching the title in men's 110m hurdle competition in Athens with 12.91 secs, the same as the world record.

Source: Xinhua