Chinese swimmers create waves at Worlds

Sun Yang reacts after competing in the men's 200m freestyle final during the swimming competition at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest, July 25, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

BUDAPEST - Olympic champion Sun Yang of China won his first title in men's 200m freestyle at the 17th FINA World Championships in Budapest on Tuesday, while another Chinese swimmer Xu Jiayu claimed the champion of the men's 100m backstroke, the first ever victory for Chinese male swimmers in the event at worlds.

Placed sixth after the first 100 meters, Sun made a stong comeback to clock 1 minute and 44.39 seconds to record his groundbreaking victory, beating the Asian record of 1:44.47 he set in 2013. It was also his second title in the Hungarian capital after the 400m free.

"I feel happy about the gold medal. Actually I didn't expect such a result, and just wanted to work on every detail," said Sun after his victory.

Sun claimed the golds in the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle before his 200m triumph at worlds. He is also the Olympic champion in 200m, 400m and 1500m freestyle.

"I lost the race with a bit pity at World Championships in Kazan two years ago. Today my dream has come true," Sun pointed out.

Townley Haas of the United States and Aleksandr Krasnykh of Russia finished second and third respectively.