In 1996, he began competing for Australia as Anthony Liu. He won his national title and was sent to the World Championships, where he finished 22nd. The next season, Liu earned a berth to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano and placed 25th. At the 1998 Australian Nationals, he became the first Australian skater to land a quadruple jump (toe loop). On his way to his career-best Four Continents result, 5th in 1999, Liu landed a quadruple-triple toe loop combination.