Liu Xiang (right) and Ge Tian in this combination photo on the star hurdler's Tencent Weibo (top) and Ge's Sina Weibo.

Chinese netizens have been shocked by the sudden end to retired star hurdler Liu Xiang's 290-day marriage with the announcement of his divorce from actress Ge Tian.

The Chinese ace said on Thursday that he and Ge had divorced due to "incompatibility."

"Ge and I fell in love in May 2014 and got married in September. We decided to end the marriage today due to our incompatible personalities. We wish each other a better life from now on," Liu said in a brief statement on his Sina Weibo account.

The Internet was immediately ignited by the news.