Marshall, Coughlin Are Blazing at Speedo Grand Challenge

IRVINE, Calif., May 29. MELANIE Marshall and Natalie Coughlin turned in the top performances on the second night of action at the Speedo Grand Challenge, held Saturday at the Woollett Aquatic Center. Meanwhile, Ous Mellouli highlighted the male competition, as he won his second event.

Great Britain’s Marshall was the easy winner of the 200 freestyle, as she touched the wall in an impressive time of 1:58.60, well ahead of the 2:00.67 posted by British teammate Caitlin McClatchey. Marshall was a semifinalist in the event at the Athens Olympics.

As for Coughlin, the American sensation bested the competition in the 100 butterfly, thanks to a mark of 58.92. Coughlin, who won five medals at last summer’s Olympics, was followed to the wall by Alena Popchanka. Recently granted French citizenship, Popchanka stopped the clock in 1:00.26.

One night after winning the 200 individual medley, Mellouli had little trouble capturing top honors in the 400 I.M. The Tunisian Olympian registered a swim of 4:21.19, more than three seconds quicker than the 4:24.93 of Keith Beavers. Going 2:01.57, Beavers later won the 200 backstroke.

Milorad Cavic earned victory in the men’s 100 butterfly, behind an effort of 53.08. Cavic outdistanced a strong field, as Russia’s Igor Marchenko was second in 53.47. Mike Mintenko, of Canada, was third in 53.58 and Croatia’s Duje Draganja was fourth in 53.81.

Also posting triumphs on the second night of competition were Britain’s Ross Davenport in the 200 free (1:49.56), Aya Terakawa in the women’s 200 back (2:14.36), Britain’s David Carry in the 400 free (3:52.35) and Lyndsay DePaul in the women’s 400 I.M. (4:56.74).

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