Ning Zetao taking part in the 50m free heats at the Rio Games. (Photo/Xinhua)
China's world 100m freestyle champion Ning Zetao clocked 22.38 seconds in the 50m free heats at the Rio Games on Thursday and failed to make the semis.
Ning, ranked fifth in Heat 8 and 30th overall, accepted the result well.
Ukraine's Andri Govorov led the race in 21.49, while American Nathan Adrain was second in 21.61. Another Chinese Yu Hexin was 20th with 22.20.
"I am satisfied with the time, and it is my first 50m race this year," Ning said.
Ning also failed to qualify for the 100m final.
He will take part in the men's 4x100m medley relay heat on Friday.
