Pjotr Degtjarjov, Kregor Zirk, Maria Romanjuk, and other top Estonian swimmers gathered in Tartu to compete in the 2015 Estonian Nationals. Day one featured nation record-holders, tight races, and some dominant victories.
Degtjarjov, the Estonian national record-holder in the men’s 100-meter free, won a tight battle in the men’s 50-meter free with a final time of 23.23. Daniel Zaitsev was a close second in 23.55, and Karl Johann Luht ended up third in 23.95.
The Estonian national record-holder Zirk was well off his 1500-meter free record of 16:11.75, but won the event handily with a 17:00.80. He was more than two minutes faster than second-place finisher Karl Marten Reinlo (19:09.96). Mark Koeoek took third with a 19:35.72.
Romanjuk zipped to a win in the women’s 50-meter breast in 32.23. She touched ahead of Kersa, who finished with a 32.92. Maria Harutjunjan swam a 33.35 to get third.
Tess Grossman handled the finals of the women’s 50-meter free with a 26.36. Karleen Kersa was the next closest finisher at 27.24, while Kertu Ly Alnek wound up third in 27.44.
In the women’s 100-meter back, Sigrid Sepp pulled away to a 1:04.35 win ahead of Margaret Markvardt, who swam a 1:06.36. Katrin Zaitseva posted a 1:07.66 to get third.
Endri Vinter clocked a 57.69 to win the men’s 100-meter back, despite trailing Luht at the 50-meter mark. Luht dropped to second place with a 58.11, and Andrei Gussev made the podium with his 58.72.
Maribel Saar was untouchable in the women’s 800-meter free, winning in 9:48.96. Polina Cherkay (10:07.23) fended off a late push from Laurika Lint (10:10.15) to hold on to second.
Martin Allikvee was victorious in the men’s 50-meter breast with his 28.55. Martin Livamaegi took second with a 28.91, just touching out Filipp Provorkov (28.95).
2015 Estonia Nationals, Day One – Results