Asian Games: Zhao Jing Lowers Asian Record, Fastest Swim in Textile

GUANGZHOU, China, November 13. CHINA's Zhao Jing lowered her Asian record in the women's 100 back with a scorching fast leadoff in the 400 medley relay during the first day of long course racing at the Asian Games in China.

She checked in with a 58.94, which lowered her previous continental standard of 58.96 set in October 2009. She also became the first swimmer in the event's history to clear 59 seconds in a textile suit. Zhao, Chen Huijia, Jiao Liuyang and Tang Yi went on to win the relay for China in 3:57.80.

Japan's Takeshi Matsuda took home the men's 200 fly title in 1:54.02 to move to the top of the world rankings. He clipped Michael Phelps' top effort of 1:54.11 set at Pan Pacs in August.

China's Zhu Qianwei clinched the first gold medal on offer with a 1:56.65 in the women's 200 free. That swim stands fourth in the world rankings behind only Federica Pellegrini (1:55.45), Allison Schmitt (1:56.10), and Dana Vollmer (1:56.47). China's Tang Yi placed second overall in 1:57.08, while Japan's Hanae Ito completed the podium with a third-place 1:58.24. Tang improved on her 14th-ranked season best of 1:57.64 to move to seventh, while Ito jumped into the top 25 with her performance.

Japan's Yuya Horihata captured the men's 400 IM crown in 4:13.35, well short of his fourth-ranked season best of 4:12.02 set at Japanese Nationals in April.

China's Jiao Liuyang topped the women's 100 fly finale in 57.76, just missing her seventh-ranked season best of 57.67 set at Chinese Nationals in April. Singapore's Tao Li finished second in 58.24, while Japan's Yuka Kato touched third in 58.46.

China's Wang Randi posted the fastest time in the women's 50 breast with a 31.04 for the win. That performance tied her with Rebecca Ajulu-Bushell for seventh in the world rankings. China's Zhao Jin turned in a 31.13 for second, while Japan's Satomi Suzuki placed third in 31.52. Zhao improved to 11th in the world rankings, while Suzuki had already been in the top 20 with a season-best 31.49 from Pan Pacs.

In other news, reports have stated that South Korea's Tae Hwan Park was upset about having to take a doping test as soon as he arrived at the Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, citing unfair practices. China's team leader Xu Qi, however, countered the claim stating that even the Chinese swimmers had to take the test at the airport as well.

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