Friday, August 22, 2008 - 12:43 AM

Cuba's world record holder Dayron Robles has emulated compatriot Anier Garcia in Beijing, winning the 110 metres hurdles Olympic title, timing 12.93 seconds - the second-fastest time in Olympic history.

The 21-year-old beat home two Americans, 2007 world bronze medalist David Payne (13.17sec) and American champion David Oliver (13.18sec).

Robles showed no nerves and was never challenged after rising from the blocks, making the absence of defending champion Liu Xiang even more marked - and to a lesser extent two-time silver medal list Terrence Trammell.

Robles, who was repeating the success of Garcia from the 2000 Games, sailed over the hurdles while behind him Payne and Oliver had difficulty in not clipping them.

While Robles eased over the line - tapping his head with both hands - the two Americans held on to their placings.

Oliver - the only man to beat Robles this season - had to withstand a challenge from France's 2005 world champion Ladji Doucoure.