Zhang Yufei and Qin Haiyang Secure Titles at Chinese National Games
While 13-year-old Yu Zidi highlighted the second night of the Chinese National Games with an Asian record in the 200-meter individual medley, veterans Zhang Yufei and Qin Haiyang walked away with victories in their events. The competition has always been highly respected among Chinese athletes, with participants often targeting peak performances similar to appearances at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
Zhang bolted to victory in the 100 butterfly, thanks to a clocking of 56.88, which was comfortably quicker than the 57.60 of Wang Yichun and the 57.94 of Wang Jingzhuo. Zhang is a two-time Olympic medalist in the 100 butterfly, having earned the silver medal at the 2020 Games in Tokyo and the bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. She wasn’t far off her season-best mark of 56.47, posted at last summer’s World Championships.
In the 100 breaststroke, Qin was the only swimmer to crack the 59-second barrier, as he registered a swim of 58.98. That effort handed Qin a half-second decision over Zheng Yinghao (59.47). Just behind in third place was Yan Zibei, who checked in with a time of 59.49. Meanwhile, the final of the 50 butterfly went to Wang Changhao, with his mark of 23.30 edging the 23.45 of Xu Fang.
In semifinal action, Xu Jiayu secured the top seed for the final of the 100 backstroke, behind a mark of 52.70. In the women’s 100 breaststroke, Tang Qianting touched the wall in 1:06.31 to lock down Lane Four for the final. Wan Letian was the sole sub-minute performer in the women’s 100 backstroke, going 59.71, while Zhang Zhanshuo paced the 200 freestyle in 1:46.89.
Appreciation to the X account, Chinese Swimming News and Results, for providing key information on the finals sessions.
