Xiayan Li accomplishes Men’s 50m breast-stroke gold: Day one – 2011 Swimming World Cup, Moscow
One of the emerging Chinese swimmers, Xiayan Li made his present felt to the aquatic world by accomplishing gold medal of Men’s 50m breast-stroke final on day one of the 2011 Swimming World Cup in Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday, October 18.
Moscow is the third stop of seven-stop World Cup, which is scheduled by the international aquatics sport governing body, Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA).
Li, who confirmed his finest qualification in final by overwhelming the efforts of his competitors in preliminary rounds, proved his mettle for the gold medal of the 50m discipline.
With his immaculate stroke and unmatchable strength, the 21-year-old Chinese veteran remained evident for top spot on the podium. Li gained a slight lead over his competitors in the start of the race, as he was the quickest swimmer to dive into the water.
With his irresistible efforts, Li maintained his fastest spot in the first-lap and went wild after first tumble. His persistent efforts and outstanding stroke enabled him to keep his challengers at a prominent bay and he emerged on the finishing wall with a top fastest effort of 26.87 seconds for gold medal.
Meanwhile, the arena witnessed a gruelling effort of Russian swimmers, Stanislav Lakhtyukhov and Sergey Geybel, who remained engage in a neck-to-neck battle for the second position.
Lakhtyukhov, who qualified as the third finest swimmer behind Geybel in preliminary rounds, elevated his efforts in the playoff to escape him for the silver finish. The Russian failed to overpower each other’s efforts and completed their swims in a same time of 27.25 seconds for the silver medal.
They were followed by their team-member, Igor Golovin, who remained just 0.17 seconds slower from his preceding swimmers and settled as fourth position holder with a timing of 27.42 seconds.
Li was overjoyed with his title claiming effort in the breast-stroke discipline, while the winners were awarded medals after the completion of session.
Furthermore, championship will conclude on October 19 after the completion of all scheduled events in Men’s and Women’s category.
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