In a thrilling showdown at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Chinas Qin Haiyang claimed the mens 100m breaststroke gold with a blistering 58.23. Despite trailing Italys Olympic champion Nicolo Martinenghi at the halfway mark, the reigning world champ unleashed a technical masterclass in the final stretch to surge ahead.
It came down to the last 10 meters, Qin said. At that point, nobody had much left, so it was all about technique. I think that gave me the edge.
The womens 200m individual medley highlighted emerging talent as 12-year-old sensation Yu Zidi powered home in 2:10.48, finishing just 0.06 seconds off the podium. Canadas Summer McIntosh touched first in 2:08.68, followed by Americas Alex Walsh (2:09.05) and Canadas Mary-Sophie Harvey (2:10.11).
In the womens 100m butterfly, Zhang Yufei clocked 56.47 for fourth, while teammate Yu Yiting placed eighth. Americas Gretchen Walsh set a championship record of 54.73, with Belgiums Roos Vanotterdijk and Australias Alexandria Perkins taking silver and bronze.
Chinas strong night continued in the semifinals. Peng Xuwei punched her ticket to the womens 100m backstroke final, and Tang Qianting secured third in the womens 100m breaststroke semis, setting her up for another shot at the podium.
As established champions defend their crowns and young stars like Yu Zidi burst onto the scene, this edition of the Championships promises unforgettable moments—and a glimpse at the future of global swimming.
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Qin Haiyang grabs first swimming gold at World Aquatics Championships
cgtn.com
