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IRVINE, California, August 19. USA's Nathan Adrian exploded in the final 10 meters to emerge from a packed field of competition in the men's 100 free at the Pan Pacific Championships.
Adrian closed out Brazil's Cesar Cielo, who had led in lane eight throughout most of the race, in the final 10 meters with a winning time of 48.15. Canada's Brent Hayden also caught Cielo with a second-place 48.19 as both Adrian and Hayden skyrocketed to the top of the world rankings. Russia's Evgeny Lagunov previously held the top time with a 48.23 from the European Championships. Both also beat Adrian's meet record of 48.41.
Adrian gave the U.S. its first win in the event at Pan Pacs since Gary Hall Jr. won with a 49.47 in 1995. Hayden won the 2006 title with a 48.59, while the Aussies owned the title in 1997 (Michael Klim), 1999 (Michael Klim) and 200 (Ian Thorpe).
Cielo faded to third with a 48.48 to win up seventh in the world. USA's Jason Lezak clinched fourth-place honors with a 48.57, while South Africa's Graeme Moore finished fifth in 48.76.
Australia's Kyle Richardson (48.81), Australia's Eamon Sullivan (48.84) and South Africa's Lyndon Ferns (49.46) rounded out the top eight.
USA's Garrett Weber-Gale claimed the B final title in 48.73 to move into the top 15 in the world.
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