World Championships: Lilly King Seventh Into 100 Breaststroke Semis In Bid For History; Tang Only Woman Inside 1:06
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Lilly King Seventh Into 100Br Semis In Bid For History; Tang Only Woman Inside 1:06
Defending champion Lilly King progressed into the semis as she launched her bid to become the first woman to win three straight titles in the 100 breaststroke at the World Championships.
The American, who won in 2017 and 2019, was fourth in heat six and seventh overall in 1:06.65 to book her spot in Sunday night’s semis.
Leisel Jones, Luo Xuejuan and Rebecca Soni – as well as King – have all won the title twice.
Tang Qianting was swiftest through in 1:05.99 and the only woman inside 1:06 with Jenna Strauch of Australia (1:06.16) and Annie Lazor (1:06.33) the next swiftest.
Yulia Efimova – silver medallist last time out – is absent as part of the Russian team that was banned following the invasion of Ukraine.
Heat four included Ruta Meilutyte, 10 years after her 2012 Olympic triumph in London and on the comeback trail following retirement, the 2013 world champion clocking 1:06.71 for ninth.
Reona Aoki clocked 1:07.35 for 16th and the cut-off for the semis.