Swimmer Li Zhuhao sets new Chinese record at FINA World Cup

Chinese swimmer Li Zhuhao claimed the championship in the men's 200m butterfly on Saturday, breaking his previous National Records at the FINA World Cup in Tokyo. 

Li Zhuhao of China competes during the Men's 200m Butterfly heats on day two of the FINA Swimming World Cup at Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center on November 10, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. [Photo: VCG]

Placed in lane four, the 19-year-old took the lead at the very beginning with 24.04s and 51.97s at the 50m and 100m mark, which was faster than the World Record line until the middle of the race. 

The Chinese kept the advantage and defeated seven Japanese counterparts with a new record of 1:50.92, breaking his previous one of 1:51.57 set at this event last year. 

"I like the 100m more compared to the 200m, but now I am focused on the 200m. I am very happy with this result. I think that butterfly's underwater-kicking is going well and leads to this result. I will try my best in Singapore next week," Li said after the game.

Japanese athletes Takumi Terada (1:52.00) and Nao Horomura (1:52.04) placed second and third respectively in the event.