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Canadian Kylie Masse pulled off somewhat of an upset to set a new championship record in the 100 backstroke and lead all qualifiers ahead of world record holder Kathleen Baker. Masse broke the old Pan Pacs record of 58.84, formerly held by Australian Emily Seebohm, with her top time of 58.29.
Just behind her was Baker in 58.41, which was just 4-tenths off of her world record from a couple weeks ago. Seebohm, who broke her own record in an earlier heat, was third in 58.79. American Regan Smith was fourth through the heats in 59.27, followed closely by Japan’s Natsumi Sakai (59.45).
Olivia Smoliga was the third American in 59.47, and will be swimming in the B final tonight. The second Australian in the A final will be Kaylee McKeown (59.91), while Japan’s Anna Konishi (1:00.30) and Canada’s Kennedy Goss (1:00.93) will also be in the top 8.
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