Chinese National Championships: Three National Records Fall

SHAOXING, China, April 9. NATIONAL records continue to take a tumble at the Chinese National Championships held in Shaoxing over long course meters.

Chen Zuo became the first man from China under 49 seconds in the men's 100 free when he stopped the clock in 48.89 during the semifinal round of competition. His time cleared his previous record of 49.06 set in 2006, and is just shy of Hisayoshi Sato's Asian record of 48.91 set in 2007. Distance freestyler Zhang Lin demonstrated some sprint speed with a 49.38 in qualifying.

"I did not swim that fast," Chen told Chinese Swimming in a rough translation. "I've had a good training camp this winter to address my weaknesses. I'm just working on my overall strength right now."

Zhao Jing clipped the women's 50 back national record with a time of 28.02 in semis. The effort beat the 28.09 set by Li Yang back in 2007.

Meanwhile, Qu Jingyu posted a Chinese record in the men's 50 breast final with a time of 27.74. That swim erased the 27.83 set by Zeng Qiliang back in 2005.

In other swims, Yang Yu won the women's 200 free in 1:57.08, while Chen topped the men's 200 fly in 1:56.84.

"I've been improving my training," Yang told Chinese Swimming in a rough translation. "I've had some ups and downs the past few years, but the present method of training is suitable to me."

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