TIANJIN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Newly-crowned world champion Xu Jiayu proved his reputation in the men's 200m backstroke by winning his third title while his Zhejiang teammate Wang Shun also grabbed his third victory at the 13th Chinese National Games here on Tuesday.
Xu, winner in men's 100m backstroke in FINA World Championships in Budapest last July, dominated the event in a winning time of one minute 55.42 seconds. It could be the 6th in FINA world rankings. Li Guangyuan of Zhejiang finished second in 1:56.36 and Jin Yan of Sichuan third in 1:58.95.
"I felt tired as I have competed in so many events, not only my backstroke events, but also in the 100m and 200m freestyle relays. My target is to try my best in 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games," said Xu who won the 100m backstroke and 4X200m freestyle relay.
World bronze medalist Wang Shun defended his title in the men's 200m individual medley in 1:57.02, beating 18-year-old Qin Haiyang of Chinese Army in 1:57.71.
"I got a fever before the competition. So I was satisfied with my performance under such situation. I retained the titles in both 200m and 400m IM for two Games. I felt lucky but I need to improve my breaststroke," Wang said.
Zhu Menghui awarded Zhejiang its third gold medal of the night as she stormed home first in the women's 100m freestyle in 53.40, while Wang Jingzhuo and Li Zhesi gave Liaoning the silver and bronze medals in 54.53 and 54.45, respectively.
"I shattered my personal best by 0.02 seconds. I just hope I can swim faster," Zhu said.
Shi Jinglin of Jiangsu retained her 200m breaststroke in 2:22.66, followed by 15-year-old Zheng Muyan of Tianjin in 2:25.19 and Yu Jingyao of Beijing in 2:25.82.
