JAKARTA (Reuters) - China’s Liu Xiang surprised even herself when she swam a world record time to win the women’s 50 metres backstroke at the Asian Games on Tuesday, storming home in 26.98 seconds to claim her first major title. The 21-year-old Liu, who prefers swimming the freestyle, became the first woman to break 27 seconds in the event, lowering the record of 27.06 set by fellow Chinese swimmer Zhao Jing at the world championships in Rome in 2009 before the contentious rubberized suits were banned. Former world champion and defending Asian Games champion Fu Yuanhui, who is on the comeback trail after a shoulder injury, finished second in 27.68 with Japan’s Natsumi Sakai claiming bronze in 27.91.
Liu Xiang breaks the 50-metre backstroke swimming world record, setting it at 26.98 seconds, to win the women’s gold medal at the Asian Games.