Xu sets NR with world leading time at Chinese National Championships

China's backstroke specialist Xu Jiayu renewed his own 200m national record at the National Championships here on Friday.

Xu timed one minute 54.79 seconds in the final, 0.26 seconds less than his old national record 1:55.05. His time ranks first in the world so far the year. Zhejiang's Li Guangyuan came second in 1:56.41, while Zhejiang's Shi Yi third in 1:59.40.

"I tried to think less about the result and focus on my competition," said Xu, who also won the 100m back at the Nationals. "It helps a lot."

"It has been a long time since I last time broke the national record, and it's good to set a new one," added Xu. "The old national record was set in 2014."

Women's 100m breaststroke winner Shi Jinglin of Jiangsu won the 200m title in 2:22.98, a world fourth time. Shanxi's He Yun ranked second in 2:29.16 while Henan's Zhang Xinyu third in 2:29.17.

Zhejiang native Wang Shun won the men's 200m medley in 1:57.93, a world third fastest time. Jiangxi swimmer Hu YIxuan ranked second in 2:00.23. Tianjin's An Jiabao took third in 2:01.29.

"I expected a 1:57.00 before the final," said Wang, who also won the 400m medley in Foshan. "I didn't feel good in my second half."

A lot of star swimmers favor the medley event as American stars Michael Phelps and Ryan Rochte ranked fifth and sixth currently in the world. The current world No. 1 is Kosuke Hagino of Japan in 1:55.98.

Zhejiang also won the women's 100m freestyle title as Zhu Menghui touched home first at 54.19. Jiangsu's Shen Duo trailed in 54.71, while Shanghai veteran Tang Yi came third in 54.75.

The National Championships serves as Olympic trials for Chinese swimmers and will end on Sunday. Olympic champion Sun Yang did not show due to foot injuries.