SHUNDE, China, May 21. THE final night of the Chinese National Championships featured another strong performance from 13-year-old Li Xuanxu. Although the effort didn't match the 4:38 she produced earlier in the week in the 400 individual medley, Li's mark of 2:14.90 was enough to supply a second victory. More, it helped to further enhance the youngster's international profile.
Li was followed in second place by Zhao Jing, who covered the shorter medley in 2:14.96. A little more than a year away from the Beijing Olympics, Li has provided the home nation with some serious medal hopes. In addition to the win by Li, Wang Qun prevailed in the women's 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:09.02.
On the men's side, Zhang Lin added the 1500 freestyle title to his collection when he touched the wall in 15:14.34. Although well off his personal mark, Zhang had a solid competition, as he also took top honors in the 200 and 400 freestyles. Zhang wasn't expecting personal-best performances just a month after being rested for the World Championships in Melbourne.