AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, March 27. THE third evening of long course meter action at the Amsterdam Swim Cup produced even more world-class times.
Ranomi Kromowidjojo posted the fastest time in the world this year in the women's 100 free with a 53.44. That time cleared Dana Vollmer's previous top-ranked effort of 54.30 from the Austin Grand Prix. Femke Heemskerk finished second in 54.44, moving her to third in the world. Sarah Sjostrom touched third in 54.73.
Fabien Gilot knocked off a strong field in the men's 50 free with a 22.55. Stefan Nystrand (22.67) and Alain Bernard (22.76) finished second and third behind him. Kim Vandenberg followed in the women's 200 fly with a 2:11.01. That swim moved her up to ninth in the world this year. Petra Granlund placed second in 2:12.57, while Martina van Berkel claimed third in 2:14.61.
Simon Sjodin captured the men's 200 fly in 2:00.11, just beating Joeri Verlinden's second-place 2:00.44. Alexandre Liss picked up third in 2:01.66. Camille Lacourt clocked a 25.00 during qualifying of the men's 50 back to become the second best in the world this year. He wound up winning in 25.03. Bastiaan Lijesen (25.51) and Nick Driebergen (25.64) rounded out the top three.
Sophie De Ronchi moved to eighth in the world in the women's 200 IM this year with a 2:15.07 for the win. Lieke Verouden (2:16.59) and Kimberly Buys (2:18.84) placed second and third. Lennart Stekelenburg wound up second in the world in the men's 50 breast with a 27.76 during prelims. He pocketed the title in finals with a 27.82. Robin van Aggele (27.90) and Giacomo Perez Dortona (28.43) completed the podium.
Sebastiaan Verschuren topped the men's 400 free prelims in 3:54.19 but scratched finals. Arjen van der Meulen won the title in 3:54.43, while Luca Ferretti (3:54.59) and Ward Bauwens (4:01.45) finished second and third. Martina de Memme captured the women's 800 free in 8:48.88. Sarah Koehler (8:55.10) and Giulia de Fusco (8:56.68) rounded out the top three.