Chinese Long Course Nationals, Day One: Jiao Liuyang and Li Xuanxu Post World Bests

SHAOXNG, China, April 22. AT the Chinese long course nationals, postponed by one day to observe a day of mourning for victims of last week's earthquake, two swimmers leapt to the top of the world rankings list.

Jiao Liuyang, the silver medalist in the 200 fly at the 2008 Olympics, posted a quick 2:05.46 in the women's 200 fly to lead the world by almost two seconds over Japan's Natsumi Hoshi's 2:07.27 posted at last week's Japanese nationals. Gong Jie was second in 2:08.12, now the sixth-fastest performance of the year in the event.

Li Xianxu posted the world's fastest 400 IM of the year with a 4:34.59, just ahead of Stephanie Rice's 4:35.09 from March. Rounding out the podium were a couple of other top 10 world best times: Zheng Rongrong's 4:37.68 and Ye Shiwen's 4:37.97.

Zhang Lin, the world champion in the 800 free, slipped in just ahead of Paul Biedermann in the world rankings in the 200 freestyle with a 1:47.54 for the sixth-fastest time of the year. Jiang Haiqi came in second with a 1:49.25. Tianjin En was third. His time was not available at press time.

"I had hoped to swim a sub-1:47," Zhang told Chinese media after the race.

In the men's 100 backstroke, Cheng Feiyi won with a 55.24. He Jianbin just missed out on gold with a 55.39. Diao Jigong was third with a 55.67.

Chen Huijia won the women's 50 breaststroke in 31.21. Liu Xiao and Zhang Hongtao were second and third, respectively. Times were not available at press time.

Wang Shuai was the winner of the men's 100 breaststroke in 1:01.77, just ahead of Zhang Guoyiing's 1:01.94 and Lai Zhongjian's 1:02.14.

Gao Chang gave the sole sub-minute effort in the women's 100 backstroke with a 59.69. Zhao Jing just missed the barrier with a 1:00.06 for second, and Zhou Yanxin was third with a 1:00.98.

In the men's 100 butterfly, Zhou Jiawei, Guangdong, posted a 52.61 that is now the 10th-fastest time in the world. Well back was Chen Yin's second-place time of 53.44 and Chen Weiwu's 53.66 for third place.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use