Hong Kong, China swimmer Natalie Kan produced a breakthrough performance on Wednesday, racing to bronze in the women’s 100-metre butterfly at the Asian Games for her first individual medal at the continental showcase.

Competing at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in her third Asian Games, Kan touched the wall in 58.05 seconds. The result also broke the Hong Kong record previously held by Siobhan Haughey.

China’s Yu Yiting took gold in 56.41 seconds, edging out teammate Zhang Yufei, the Asia and Games record-holder, who finished in 56.44.

Zhang led through the opening 50 metres, with Yu chasing behind and South Korea’s An Se Hyeon sitting third.

After the halfway mark, however, Yu overtook Zhang to seize gold, while Kan powered past An to claim the final spot on the podium.

Fellow Hong Kong, China swimmer Yeung Hoi-ching finished ninth in one minute and 0.55 seconds.


Edited by Aaron Tam