Chen Qian establishes the latest Asian records in swimming events

So far altogether 10 Asian records had been established in swimming events at the on-going Chinese National Games.

Of those ten, Chen Qian of Shandong added the latest in the women's 800-meter freestlye. The 16-year-old competed with Li Xuanxu from Hunan province, who also set an Asian record when she won the 400m individual medley.

Chen Qian led after the match started, but her 15 year old archrival Li Xuanxu, passed her after 100 meters. Li Xuanxu was out for revenge as Chen Qian had beaten her in last Sunday's 400 meter freestyle. Chen Qian would not give up and struggled to take the lead again after 300 meters, and enlarged the gap after 600 meters.

Chen Qian never looked back from that point. Spurred on by the crowd, the home favorite roared to victory in 8 minutes 20.36, knocking over three seconds off the Asian record held by Japanese swimmer Yamada Sachiko for five years. Li Xuanxu finished second with 8 minutes 24.94, while Chen Qian's teammate Li Mo had to settle for bronze.

Chen Qian said she just tried to relax and battled for the win in the final 400m.

A great National Games debut for rising star Chen Qian, the Chinese mermaid taking three gold medals for the hosts altogether: The 400-meter freestyle, the 4x200m relay and this event.