Sun Yang dominates, Ye Shiwen rebounds in National Games' pool

Updated: 2013-09-05 10:26

(Xinhua/chinadaily.com.cn)

Sun Yang dominates, Ye Shiwen rebounds in National Games' pool

Sun Yang celebrates after winning the men's 400m freestyle final at the National Games in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 4, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

SHENYANG - China's swimming star Sun Yang dominated the men's 400-meter freestyle at the National Games on Wednesday while Ye Shiwen seemed back on track with a 400m individual medley title.

Sun, Olympic and world champion in the 400m free, led all the way to win the title for Zhejiang in three minutes and 43.68 seconds, about two seconds slower than his winning time at the Barcelona FINA World Championships this July, but still a world second fastest time this year.

Hao Yun of Hebei trailed in 3:44.87, ranked sixth in the world this year, while Henan's Li Yunqi finished third in 3:48.17.

"I am excited with the gold medal, because four years ago I was the runner-up in 400m," said the 21-year-old, who finished after veteran Zhang Lin in the event at the 11th National Games. "Now I win the 400m at the National Games, Olympic Games and World Championships."

"It's only three weeks since the Barcelona Worlds and I am tired, so the result is Ok to me," said Sun.

The distance freestyle specialist, who claimed the men's 400m, 800m and 1,500m gold medals at the Barcelona World Championships, is seeking breakthroughs in short distance as he will compete for the title of the 100m freestyle.

"I will try my best in every event," said Sun, who will also compete in the 200 and 1,500m free as well as three relays. "But I have so many events here, I have to focus on my majors. I don't expect to win the 100m."