Zhao Jing wins 100m backstroke final

Another Rome World Championship winner got ready to race in the National Games. Zhao Jing holds the world record in the 50 meter backstroke. She had a chance to confirm her leadership by winning the 100m backstroke final.

Zhao Jing took the lead from the start and did exactly what everyone expected. Zhao never looked back in this race. She opened up a lead in the first 50 meters, and after the turn, Zhao made a final sprint in the last 50 to touch the wall first. Her time of 58.96 seconds also broke the Asian record. 

Gao Chang from Shandong province was second with 59.31 and the bronze medal went to Zhou Xinyan from Shanghai, who placed first overall after Sunday's preliminary and semifinal.

A record of 525 swimmers from China's 24 provincial teams, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Chinese Army are competing for gold in 32 events of the swimming competition over the duration of the National Games.