BEIJING - AMERICAN doctors have told Liu Xiang that he needs surgery on the tendon injury that forced him out of the Olympics, but China's star hurdler has yet to decide whether to go under the knife.

Liu was examined in Charlotte as well as in Houston this week by the doctors who treat basketball superstar Yao Ming and they drew the same conclusions as their Chinese counterparts.

'The doctors suggested surgery,' his coach Sun Haiping was quoted as saying in the China Daily. 'If it is possible to treat the injury without surgery, we will choose (that option).'

Liu was a heavy favourite to defend his Olympic gold medal in the 110 metres hurdles in August, but pulled out after limping through the start of his first heat, sparking disbelief among the Chinese public.

Hoping for a speedy recovery, he elected to fly to the United States last week to consult doctors there.

'We will collect all the doctors' suggestions and make a final decision back in China,' added Mr Sun.

'The plan should ensure the full recovery of Liu's foot injury and will not cause lasting impairment to the tendon or further affect his normal training.'

Liu was expected back in China this week and posted a note on his official website ahead of his return to reassure his fans that he would recover.

'They (US doctors) were all optimistic,' he said, without elaborating on whether he would proceed with surgery. 'So I think (the injury) is not that serious.

'First of all, I hope I can recover soon and get back onto the track. As I still dream of a brilliant future, I will try and heal as fast as I can.'

While in the United States, Liu took the chance to relax and attend his first ever NBA game at the invitation of Yao, watching the Houston Rockets play the Dallas Mavericks.

'I have never watched a CBA game in China and this is my first time to experience an NBA match,' Liu said. -- AFP