Vlad Morozov Sizzles With World Best in 100 Free

Photo Courtesy: Gian Mattia Dalberto/Lapresse

By Maria Dobysheva, Swimming World Russian contributor

Vladimir Morozov vaulted to the top of the world rankings in the men’s 100-meter freestyle, breaking 48 seconds for the first time in two years. Meanwhile, the rest of the third day of the Russian Nationals produced plenty of emotional swims and world-ranked efforts.

During what was the most-awaited event of the entire session, after yesterday’s semifinals produced four swimmers with sub-49 second efforts, the men’s 100-meter finals promised lots of fast swims and entertainment.

The entire venue exploded with cheers when Morozov won in 47.98 to move ahead of Cameron McEvoy (48.06) for first in the world rankings. The last time Morozov managed to clear 48 seconds was in 2013.

Morozov’s Trojan Swim Club teammate Alexander Sukhorukov placed second in 48.33 for the fourth-best time in the world. Danila Izotov wound up third in 48.41 to rank seventh in the world.

Other results:

4. Andrey Grechin – 48.64
5. Nikita Lobintsev – 48.74
6. Stepan Surkov – 49.03 (his semifinal time was 48.96)
7. Alexander Popokov 49.06
8. Mikhail Dovgalyuk – 49.16

Just 20 minutes later, Morozov won the men’s 50-meter breast in 27.37. Andrey Nikolaev placed second in 27.56 with Anton Lobanov earning third in 27.71.

Women’s 50 backstroke

The Evening session started with a semifinal where two participants’ rivalry was one of the highlights of the day. Anastasia Fesikova appeared in front of public for the first time in two years and grabbed the top seed in 28.44. Daria K Ustinova followed her with 28.57. While Fesikova was out of business, no one could get even close to a young talent Ustinova on a national scene. Ustinova has been dominating in Russia’s women’s backstroke for two years and now with someone as competitive and experienced as Fesikova back in the pool, the plot really thickens for Russian swimming going forward

An hour later, the two ladies put on a show in finals where Fesikova won again with the time that entered her 11th in the world rankings (28.18). Ustinova finished second with 28.37 and Kameneva Maria who was a third seed, took bronze with 28.45. Fesikova and Ustinova will both represent the team in Kazan.

Women’s 200 breaststroke

Yuliya Efimova cruised to the victory with a time 2.22.12, which turned out to be the fifth fastest in the world. Being chased all the way by Vitalina Simonova, Efimova afforded a rapid finish spurt and left Simonova (2.23.56) with a silver. Victoria Gunes, representing Turkey, took bronze – 2.2.4.48.

Men’s 200 backstroke semifinals

After yesterday’s victory in the 100 back, Evgeny Rylov was scheduled to swim 200 semifinals tonight. He qualified first in heats with 2.00.40 with Grigory Tarasevich followed him with 2.00.52. In semifinals, both athletes were swimming in different heats and both won their races. However, Tarasevich improved his morning result by two seconds and headed first into the finals – 1.58.53. Rylov equalled his prelim time with 2.00.41 and get the lane 5 in the finals. Babchenko Nikita posted 2.00.42 and completed the top three seeds.

Other results:

W100 fly

1. Lovtsova Natalia 58.26
2. Polyakova Anna 58.92
Chimrova Svetlana 58.92
4. Shapashnikova Ekaterina 59.64
5. Kashinskaya Alina 59.73
6. Tsevetkova Darya 1.00.42
7. Shmakova Darya 1.00.61
8. Chesnokova Alexandra 1.00.77

M200 butterfly F

1. Kudashev Alexander 1.56.30
2. Koptelov Evgeny 1.57.19
3. Pakhomov Daniel 1.58.24

M200IM F

1. Trophimov Ivan 2.00.08
2. Gorbunov Dmitry 2.00.46
3. Makovich Semen 2.00.88

W1500free F

1. Kulik Darya 17.13.82
2. Bulokhova Elena 17.29.21
3. Snoz Yulia 17.31.91

2015 Russian Swimming Championships, Day 3 (Russian) – Results

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