Italy Long Course Nationals: Federica Pellegrini Posts Another World Best

RICCIONE, Italy, April 18. FEDERICA Pellegrini became the first woman under 1:57 in the women's 200 free this year with a scorching 1:56.23 at the Italian Long Course Nationals.

Pellegrini blew right past the four women who had already cleared 1:58 this year (Blair Evans: 1:57.38, Bronte Barratt: 1:57.46, Kylie Palmer: 1:57.69, Rebecca Adlington: 1:57.87). Pellegrini's previous season-best had been a 1:58.13 set in Berlin in March. Pellegrini is the world record holder with a stunning 1:52.98 to her credit. Flavia Zoccari took a distant second tonight in 2:00.78, while Chiara Masini Luccetti placed third in 2:01.25.

Samuel Pizzetti rose to third in the world this year with a winning 15:04.10 in the men's 1500 free tonight. He jumped ahead of Sebastien Rouault's 15:04.87, and now stands behind only Ryan Cochrane (14:56.83) and Robert Hurley (15:00.96). Federico Colbertaldo finished second in 15:15.19, while Luca Ferretti touched third in 15:20.68.

Marco Orsi improved to 10th in the world rankings with a winning time of 49.09 in the men's 100 free. The effort clipped the previous 10th-ranked performance of 49.12 set by Takuro Fujii in Japan this week. Luca Dotto finished second in 49.46, while Luca Leonardi placed third in 49.50.

Edoardo Giorgetti moved into the top 15 in the world rankings with a 2:11.97 to win the men's 200 breast. Luca Pizzini placed second in 2:12.57, while Paolo Bossini claimed third in 2:12.93.

Mirco Di Tora opened the evening with a 54.50 to win the men's 100 back. Damiano Lestingi finished second in 55.01, while Sebastiano Ranfagni took third in 55.37. Alessia Filippi followed with a 2:11.97 in the women's 200 back for the win. Elena Gemo snared second in 2:12.49, while Federica Sorriso placed third in 2:14.84.

Niccolo Beni touched out Marco Belotti, 1:59.21 to 1:59.23, in the men's 200 fly. Niccolo Florenzano rounded out the top three in 2:00.30. In another close contest, Chiara Boggiatto held off Michela Guzzetti, 2:29.52 to 2:29.79, in the women's 200 breast. Carlotta Toni placed third in 2:31.82.

Silvia Di Pietro led a trio of swimmers under 27 seconds in the women's 50 fly with a triumphant 26.57. Elena Di Liddo (26.75) and Cristina Maccagnola (26.99) completed the podium.

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