Sun wins third gold at National Swimming Championships

Sun Yang claimed his third title at the National Swimming Championships here on Sunday by winning the men's 800-meter freestyle with a world second fastest time so far this year.

The Olympic and world champion touched first in seven minutes 47.58 seconds, 0.22 second slower than Australian Mack Horton's world top time. The 19-year-old Aussie will be Sun's big rival at the World Championships this July as he also holds the fastest 400m of the year.

"I felt a little sleepy in the first 400m but I found my pace back soon after," said the 23-year-old, who clocked a world fastest 200m free Saturday and won the 400m free Thursday. "I think it's because I slept too long in the afternoon."

"I'm tired after taking part in three events, but I have to deal with it," he added.

The other competition attracted most attention was the men's 100m freestyle semifinal, where Asian champion Ning Zetao timed 48.34, fourth in the world of the year.

"I need improve a lot to prepare for the Kazan Worlds," said the good looking 21-year-old. "The result is good. My aim is to get the berth in the Worlds so the time is not important."

Newly crowned Asian champion Shen Duo won the women's 200m free in 1:57.05, eighth in the world so far the year. Liaoning's Guo Junjun ranked second in 1:57.50, while Liaoning's Qiu Yuhan came third in 1:58.16.

"I was out of pace during the final," Shen seemed disappointed with her result. "It's a mistake."

Also Sunday, Hebei's Hao Yun won the men's 200m butterfly in 1:57.26, while Shanghai's Shi Weijia grabbed the men's 50m breaststroke title in 27.61. Team Zhejiang took the 4x100m mixed medley relay in 3:52.91. Endi