Liu Zige breaks world record to win

Records fell at Jinan Natatorium, and the women's 200m butterfly set up a long-awaited clash between Jiao Liuyang and Liu Zige.

The world record stood at 2 minutes 03.41 seconds.  Austrailian Jessica Schipper set it at the Rome World Championships this summer. Liu settled for silver that time.

Liu Zige started the race aiming to regain the world record this time.
  
She built a heathy lead through the first 50 meters, and her arch rival Jiao Liuyang was just behind.

The two Chinese star swimmers swept gold and silver at last year's Beijing Olympics with world record breaking performance.

Three days ago,Liu edged out Jiao to set up a new Asian record to win the 100m butterfly.

Liu Zige never slowed down and upheld her star status. She pulled away from the pack after the second turn and made it impossible for Jiao and the other swimmers to catch up.

Liu powered to the wall to reset the record in the 200 meter butterfly. The Olympic champion stormed to an overwhelming victory and the gold medal with an incredible time of 2:01.81. That's close to two seconds better than Schipper's record in Rome.

The Shanghai team member touched almost 4 seconds ahead of the PLA's Jiao Liuyang. And the bronze medal went to another PLA swimmer, Kong Jie.

Liu Zige said, "After the race, Liu Zige said her aim for the race was breaking the world record at the first place, and it was not surprise victory for her, as she has been a busy preparation after the world championship,under a tight training schedule.Her hardwork is finally paid off."

20-year-old Liu is now two-out-of-two golds in her butterfly events.