CCTV reporters had prior knowledge of Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang's severe injury before he crashed out, said Sha Tong, head of CCTV's London Olympic coverage team during a seminar on Wednesday in Beijing, the Nanjing-based Oriental Guardian reported.

Sha explained that Yang Jian's emotional commentary after Liu fell during the 110m hurdles was just one of the four versions prepared by Yang, the paper said.

@雷颐: It is disappointing that CCTV would behave this way. If they knew about Liu Xiang's injury, why did they let him take part in the race?

@烟花易冷936002: CCTV may have their own worries that they did not cover the truth, but they ignore the public feelings.

@语重心长w: When covering Liu Xiang, it was right for CCTV to be prepared for different outcomes. But if CCTV knew he would crash, then that is cheating the audience.

@新生报到5439987: The era of Liu Xiang has ended. Why don't the public just let go?