Liu Xiang breaks world record, Sun wins third gold

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Chinese swimmer Liu Xiang won the gold medal in women's 50m backstroke with 26.98 seconds, breaking the world record of 27.06 seconds by Zhao Jing of China nine years ago.

Liu Xiang, together with her teammate Fu Yuanhui, started in lane four and five, top the speed of the lanes from the beginning of the match. Liu has a faster speed and finally shattered the world record, becoming the first athlete to break through 27 second in 50m.

Fu Yuanhui got a silver medal with 27.68 seconds.

Gold medalist Liu Xiang (C) of China, silver medalist Fu Yuanhui (L) of China and bronze medalist Natsumi Sakai of Japan on the podium /VCG Photo

"It’s incredible. I never thought I would have such a good performance. I was so happy that I improved so much,” Liu Xiang told journalist from CCTV.

“I think the training in the USA matters a lot for me. My coach told me to pay more attention to the leg, and it has been improved so far.”

After winning the title, China has claimed four consecutive gold medals in women’s 50m backstroke, with Zhao Jing in Doha Asian Games, Gao Chang in Guangzhou Asian Games and Fu Yuanhui in Incheon Asian Games.

Sun Yang claims the tile in men's 400m freestyle, winning his third gold medal in Asian Games. /VCG Photo

Later, Su Yang of China won his third individual gold medal in men’s 400m freestyle with 3:42.92.

“I felt a little tired, because I have completed several games in three days. The result is within the expectation. I will prepare for the 1500m freestyle in the following days.”

Sun also said that, “China faces a big challenge in swimming event at Jakarta Asian Games, Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia stands out this time. We have to be cautious and fight for more medals.”

Before that, China's Yu Hexin achieved gold in men’s 50m freestyle with 22.11 seconds.

China has won 11 gold medals in swimming event at Asian games as of Tuesday night.