(CNN) -- Controversy struck the world athletics championships in Daegu for the second straight day as Cuba's Dayron Robles was disqualified Monday after winning the men's 110m hurdles final.
Robles, defending the title he won in Berlin two years ago, crossed the line first in 13.14 seconds, ahead of American Jason Richardson (13.16) and 2004 Olympic champion Liu Xiang of China (13.24).
But the Cuban was judged to have made contact with Liu to impede him as they came off the final hurdle.
"Robles has been disqualified by the track referee under rule 163.2 for obstruction on the track," said an statement from world governing body, the IAAF.
Cuba launched an appeal against the decision, but it was dismissed, leaving Richardson to take a surprise gold, former world record holder Liu was elevated to silver with Britain's Andy Turner up to bronze. Liu, making a strong comeback after injury ruined his gold medal bid at the Beijing Olympics, had led until the final hurdle, which he clipped, leaving Robles and Richardson to go past him.
The disqualification of Robles came just 24 hours after Jamaica's defending 100m champion Usain Bolt was thrown out for a false start in the final won by compatriot Yohan Blake.
Robles, defending the title he won in Berlin two years ago, crossed the line first in 13.14 seconds, ahead of American Jason Richardson (13.16) and 2004 Olympic champion Liu Xiang of China (13.24).
But the Cuban was judged to have made contact with Liu to impede him as they came off the final hurdle.
"Robles has been disqualified by the track referee under rule 163.2 for obstruction on the track," said an statement from world governing body, the IAAF.
Cuba launched an appeal against the decision, but it was dismissed, leaving Richardson to take a surprise gold, former world record holder Liu was elevated to silver with Britain's Andy Turner up to bronze. Liu, making a strong comeback after injury ruined his gold medal bid at the Beijing Olympics, had led until the final hurdle, which he clipped, leaving Robles and Richardson to go past him.
The disqualification of Robles came just 24 hours after Jamaica's defending 100m champion Usain Bolt was thrown out for a false start in the final won by compatriot Yohan Blake.
