Liu Xiang of China celebrates after women's 50m backstroke final of swimming at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 21, 2018. Liu won the gold with 26.98 seconds and set a new world record. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)
JAKARTA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua)-- Liu Xiang of China became the first woman breaking the 27-second barrier in the women's 50m backstroke as she set a world record at the Asian Games here on Tuesday.
Liu, the Asian record holder in 50m freestyle, led the 50m backstroke from the start to the end, clocking a time of 26.98 seconds for the new world record.
The previous world mark of 27.06 was set up by China's former world champion Zhao Jing in July 30, 2009 while the previous Asian record was held by Gao Chang of 27.48.
"It was like a dream. I did not expect to do that! In fact, it was not my favorite event," said Liu, who holds the Asian record in 50m freestyle in 24.04.
"I improved my under-water legs in the last few months when we trained in the United States, and I think that made me better," said Liu, who won a bronze medal from 50m backstroke in 2015 World Championships in Kazan.
Liu said she did not perform well in the morning heat with the under-water kicks. "My coach He Xinzhong told me to pay more attention on the legs and that helped me dominate the race from the start."
Liu will compete in 50m freestyle on Aug. 24.
The 2015 world champion Fu Yuan took the silver medal in 27.68 and Sakai Natsumi of Japan placed third 27.91.
"I am happy for Liu Xiang. What a great thing that Liu carries the flag of the world record from our Chinese swimmers. For me, I recovered from my should injury and I am now 70% in form," Fu said.
