Sun Yang dominates, Ye Shiwen rebounds in National Games' pool

Sun Yang celebrates after winning the men's 400m freestyle final at the National Games in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 4, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Ye Shiwen competes during the women's 400m medley final at the National Games in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 4, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's swimming star Sun Yang dominated the men's 400-meter freestyle at the National Games on Wednesday while Ye Shiwen seemed back on track with a 400m individual medley title.

Sun, Olympic and world champion in the 400m free, led all the way to win the title for Zhejiang in three minutes and 43.68 seconds, about two seconds slower than his winning time at the Barcelona World Championships this July, but still a world second fastest time this year.

Hao Yun of Hebei trailed in 3:44.87, ranked sixth in the world this year, while Henan's Li Yunqi finished third in 3:48.17.

"I am excited with the gold medal, because four years ago I was the runner-up in 400m," said the 21-year-old, who finished after veteran Zhang Lin in the event at the 11th National Games. "Now I win the 400m at the National Games, Olympic Games and World Championships."

"It's only three weeks since the Barcelona Worlds and I am tired, so the result is Ok to me," said Sun.

The distance freestyle specialist, who claimed the men's 400m, 800m and 1,500m gold medals at the Barcelona World Championships, is seeking breakthroughs in short distance as he will compete for the title of the 100m freestyle.

"I will try my best in every event," said Sun, who will also compete in the 200 and 1,500m free as well as three relays. "But I have so many events here, I have to focus on my majors. I don't expect to win the 100m."

Double Olympic champion Ye Shiwen also won a gold for Zhejiang Wednesday. The 17-year-old, who lost her form at the Barcelona Worlds and failed to win a medal in her trademark medley events, claimed the 400m medley gold in 4:31.59, which was the third fastest time this year and also her season best.

"I expected to swim in 4:30, but I was too tired," said Ye, who finished seventh in the event at Barcelona. "I think I can be better in my following events."

Ye will also compete in the 200m medley and backstroke.

Also Wednesday, Zhejiang swimmer Wang Shun updated the national record in the men's 400m medley with 4:09.10, which was the third fastest time in the world this year. Yang Zhixian of Hunan also broke the national record in 4:10.78.

In the women's 4X100m free relay, Shanghai finished first in 3:36.55, while Liaoning and Beijing ranked the second and third.