Wang Jianjiahe shatters Asian record in women's 800m freestyle

QINGDAO, China, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The 16-year-old Wang Jianjiahe broke the Asian record in the women's 800m freestyle at the Chinese National Swimming Championships here on Saturday.

Wang, who won both 1,500m and 400m freestyle crowns, enjoyed her supremacy in the 800m by touching home in an Asian record of eight minutes 14.64 seconds.

Li Bingjie, the previous Asian and Chinese national record holder, came to second in 8:15.46, and Bi Wenna was third in 8:29.35.

"It was an unexpected result and my third individual title here. It was very difficult to improve my personal-best in my last race after 1,500m, 400m, 200m and relays," said Wang, who bettered the 1,500m freestyle Asian record at the 2019 Pro Swim Series in Des Moines on March 6.

"I am looking forward to competing in my first World Championships in GWangju, South Korea this summer and show my best," the 182cm Wang said.

Li Zhuhao came from behind to take victory in the men's 100m butterfly in 51.81, beating individual medley expert Wang Shun into second.

14-year-old Wang Yichun fired off to win the women's 50m butterfly in 26.04 seconds, edging Zhang Yufei by 0.24 and veteran Yu Hexin stormed to claim the men's 50m freestyle title in 22.17.

Liu Yaxin dominated the women's 200m backstroke in 2:08.44 and Team Zhejiang claimed the mixed 4X100m freestyle relay title.

The eight-day national championships will come to an end on Sunday. Enditem