SWIMMING – BAHRAIN’S Robert Bonsall set a new national record yesterday in the men’s 1,500 metres freestyle at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Competing in the second of three finals, Bonsall clocked a mark of 15 minutes 34.88 seconds in placing fifth from seven competitors in his race at Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
Zhanshua Zhang of China captured the gold medal in 14:42.42 racing in the third final, while Japan’s Kaito Tabuchi and Kazushi Imafuku took silver and bronze, respectively. Tabuchi finished behind Zhang in 14:45.99 and Imafuku came home in 14:54.37.
Also yesterday, Bahrain’s Asma Le Falher and Amani Al Obaidli were 23rd and 25th amongst 35 swimmers in the women’s 100m freestyle heats, which featured four races in the first round.
Le Falher posted a mark of 1:00.17 while Al Obaidli clocked a time of 1:01.22.
In the women’s 400m freestyle, Sana Le Falher ranked 15th overall amongst the 16 participants in the heats. She completed her swim in 4:34.19.
Bahrain were also in action yesterday in the men’s 4x100m medley relay with the quartet of Stepan Goncharov, Abdulla Jamal, Mikhail Arkhangelskiy, and Ahmed Helal. They were however disqualified due to an early jump start in the first of two heats in the opening stage.
Bahrain’s swimmers will be returning to action today with three days remaining in the swimming events at this year’s Asiad.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh