First Blood To Sun In World Swim Grudge Match
Zeeshan Mehtab Published July 21, 2019 | 10:10 AM
Gwangju, South Korea, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2019 ) :China's controversial champion Sun Yang topped qualifying in the 400 metres freestyle at the world swimming championships Sunday to set up a final that will be bubbling with hostility.
American stars Caeleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky also looked in peak condition on the first day of the pool competition in Gwangju, while Britain's Adam Peaty limbered up for an assault on his own 100m breaststroke world record.
Triple Olympic champion Sun shrugged off fresh claims from a leaked FINA doping panel report that he smashed blood samples with a hammer when visited by testers last year, easing home in his heat in a time of 3min 44.10sec.
Australian rival Mack Horton, who labelled Sun a "drug cheat" over a previous three-month suspension before pipping the Chinese giant to gold in the 2016 Rio Olympic final, could only manage fifth fastest, well over a second slower.
"The first race is always difficult," Sun told reporters.
"My goal this morning was just to make sure I did what I needed to make the final and give myself some confidence. I've trained so hard this year and want to show my best in every race." World record holder Ledecky qualified fastest for the women's 400m freestyle final in 4:01.84 with Australian teen Ariarne Titmus, the Commonwealth champion, second fastest in 4:02.42.
"I just wanted to get the first one out of the way," said Ledecky, a five-time Olympic gold medallist with 14 world titles to her name.
"I'm right where I wanted to be so feeling good moving forward."
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
More Stories From Sports
-
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
4 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
10 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
11 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
13 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
13 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
13 hours ago
-
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
13 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
13 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
13 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
13 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
13 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
15 hours ago