Russian Long Course Nationals: Nikita Lobintsev, Yana Martynova Win On First Night

MOSCOW, Russia, May 5. THE first evening of action at the Russian Long Course Nationals featured a pair of middle distance events coming to a conclusion.

Nikita Lobintsev won the men's 400 free in a tight finish over Nicholas Bulakhov, 3:52.68 to 3:52.83. Meanwhile, Alexander Selin wound up third overall in 3:53.75.

"Unfortunately, today I was unable to beat the national record (3:43.45)," Lobintsev told Russian Swimming. "But, I will try to do so at the European Championships. Today, I swam against a lot of factors: I am a little out of shape, but the abolition of techsuits has made me have to work more and practice harder. The competition was strong, and I was a bit nervous until that end that I did not have enough to overtake the other swimmers"

Yana Martynova topped the women's 400 IM with a 4:43.27 for the win. That effort ranks among the top 25 in the world this year, just ahead of Justine Mueller's 4:43.67 set in April. Anna Markova placed second overall in 4:49.03, while Alena Alekseeva picked up third in 4:50.08.

"I'm not entirely happy with the result," Martynova told Russian Swimming. "I'm just glad I was selected (for the European Championship team). Prior to this, I have had a long time since I've had a decent result. Banning the techsuits influenced the results of all athletes."

In relay competition, Irina Popova, Svetlana Fedulova, Irina Bespalova and Victoria Andreev won the women's 400 free relay in 3:45.31. Andrew Gretchina, Evgeney Lagunova, Evgeny Ayzetulova and Alexander Sukhorukov topped the men's 400 free relay with a 3:20.47.

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