Swimming Champions Sun Yang and Ning Zetao claim title of 800m and 100m freestyle

Sun Yang of Zhejiang celebrates after the men's 800m freestyle swimming final at 13th Chinese National Games in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 4, 2017. Sun Yang claimed the title with 7 minutes and 46.80 seconds. [Photo: Xinhua/Fei Maohua]

For swim fans, this year's national games has been one full of surprises, with all the swimming talents gathering in the city of Tianjin and providing matches of highest level.

At last night's games, world champion Sun Yang and Ning Zetao both claimed titles.

Last night, Olympic champion Sun Yang claimed the title in men's 800-meter freestyle swimming.

This is his fourth gold medal at this year's national games.

With 800-meter freestyle becoming a new program at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Sun Yang said he hopes he can bring the very first gold medal to China.

"I will definitely go for the gold medal as 800-meter freestyle becoming a new program at Tokyo Olympics. I hope I can bring the very first gold medal to China. I will strive for that."

Ning Zetao of Henan reacts after the men's 100m freestyle swimming final at 13th Chinese National Games in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 4, 2017. Ning Zetao claimed the title with 47.92 seconds. [Photo: Xinhua/Fei Maohua]

Meanwhile, world champion Ning Zetao has claimed a comfortable victory in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 47.92 seconds. 

The star athlete said the victory is not surprising for him.

"Today's grade is in line with my coach's forecast. I'm very happy about it."

As one of the most anticipated players in this year's national games, Ning's cruise toward this gold medal was not an easy one.

He rose to stardom after winning the men's 100-meter freestyle at the Kazan World Championships in 2015, making him the first Asian player ever claiming the title.

But Ning met his Waterloo at the Rio Games where he failed to make the final of his favorite event.

After a year of training, he has finally proven himself last night.

"I've grown a lot during the past four years. From 20 to 24, thanks to all the tough experiences, a boy has become a man."

He will compete in the 50-meter freestyle this morning.