China's swimming ace Sun Yang storms back

孙杨解禁首秀引媒体战 摘金称恢复情况理想

Chinese swimming super star Sun Yang poses for photo after a 200m freestyle race in Chinese National Swimming Championships in Qingdao on Monday. [Photo/China News Service]

Chinese swimming super star Sun Yang, who recorded two gold medals in 2012 London Olympic Games, started strongly by winning 200m freestyle title in Chinese National Swimming Championships and also the Asian Games Qualification in Qingdao on Monday.

Sun of Zhejiang clocked 1 minute 46.04 seconds, followed by Li Yunqi of Henan, who finished second with 1:47.74. Sun's teammate Mao Feilian got the bronze medal with 1:48.60.

"I'm satisfied with today's performance. It's an easy win," said Sun.

Sun was banned from training, competition and commercial events by national team and Zhejiang College of Sports after being detained for driving without a license last November. The National Championships is his first appearance in competitive match after his ban was lifted and his departing from his long-term coach Zhu Zhigen.

Sun's teammate Xu Jiayu also came into spotlight after setting a new national record with 52.34 seconds in men's 100m backstroke.

"I didn't expect such a good result, but it proved my hard work had paid off. Now I feel more confident for the Asian Games," said Xu.

Zhang Yu of Beijing placed second in 54.93, and the third place went to Sichuan's Jin Yan, who finished with 55.52.

Wang Pudong of Chinese Navy was crowned in men's 200m butterfly with 1:57.33. Zhejiang's Bi Yirong claimed women's 400m freestyle title in 4:06.18. Shi Jinglin of Jiangsu got the women's 100m breaststroke title in 1:07.16. Led by Tang Yi, Shanghai won the women's 4x100m freestyle relay in 3 minutes 40.45 seconds.