Hong Kong  - An internationally-renowned Chinese concert pianist accused of beating his wife walked free from a Hong Kong court Thursday as an assault charge against him was dropped.

Liu Shih-kun, 69, hailed as one of China's greatest pianists, was accused of injuring his 47-year-old wife in a scuffle at a music school he runs in Hong Kong in January.

At a hearing in Eastern Court Thursday, however, prosecutors said they were dropping the charge after examining in closer detail the statement submitted by Liu's wife after the incident.

Liu made no comment but his lawyer said afterwards he believed the police should have conducted a more thorough investigation before charging him with assault two months ago.

The pianist's career first took off when, aged 19, he won second prize in the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958.

He went on to perform for high-ranking Chinese officials including Mao Zedong but was labelled a "counter revolutionist" and jailed for five years during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s.

Lui moved to Hong Kong from mainland China in 1990. He has a chain of music schools in Hong Kong and China which has taught around 50,000 students. (dpa)