Start Lists Revealed For Asian Games: China, Japan and Korea Boast Top Stars

Photo by Joao Marc Bosch

INCHEON, South Korea, September 17. THE start lists for the swimming competition at the Asian Games confirms a three-event matchup between host nation’s Tae Hwan Park and China’s Sun Yang, as well as a potential nine events for Japan’s Kosuke Hagino.

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The rivalry between Park and Sun, which began at the 2010 Asian Games, resumes in Incheon, where Park will be aiming for another chance to win the 100, 200, 400 and 1500 freestyles at the same meet. In 2010, he came up short of that history-making feat when he finished second to Sun in the 1500 freestyle.

Sun will not swim the 100 free in Incheon, but will be looking to defend his 1500 title and add the 400 to his achievements.

Another major star in the making is Hagino, who is set for six individual events in next week’s meet: 100 and 200 backstroke, 200 and 400 freestyle, and 200 and 400 individual medley. Hagino is ranked in the top three in the world in all six events, and will have competition from Park and Sun in the freestyle events. His countryman Ryosuke Irie is the reigning champion in both backstrokes and will not let go of those titles without a fight. As for the IMs, he’s the clear favorite, though Japan’s Daiya Seto will be dangerous in the 400 IM.

China’s women’s team looks to steamroll through the competition, as world record holder Liu Zige (200 butterfly) will take aim at unseating countrywoman (and reigning Olympic champion) Jiao Liuyang in what could be an exciting 200 fly race. Lu Ying, the Olympic silver medalist in the 100 fly, will be the heavy favorite in the sprint butterfly races.

Japan will have the strength of its female breaststrokers on hand. Kanako Watanabe and Rie Kaneto, the gold and silver medalists in the 200 breast at last month’s Pan Pacific championships, will be looking for another 1-2 finish. Satomi Suzuki will feature in the 100 breast alongside Watanabe for another opportunity to sweep the top of the podium.

Also watch out for U.S. national high school record holder and Commonwealth Games medalist Joe Schooling in the 100 and 200 fly as well as the 200 IM. Geoff Cheah of Hong Kong, a product of Stanford University, could be a medal contender in the 50 freestyle.

Swimming at the Asian Games runs September 21 through 26.

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