China outshines Japan in men's 4x200m freestyle relay

Members of China's 4x200m freestyle relay swimming team stand on the podium with their gold medals at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Nov 15, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

China beat Japan in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay to win the event the first time at the Asian Games.

Chinese star Zhang Lin established the lead in the first 200m, and then Jiang Haiqi, Li Yunqi, and Sun Yang kept ahead to win the relay in seven minutes and 7.68 seconds.

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Japan came second in 7:10.39, while South Korea finished third in 7:24.14.

"We all did a wonderful job tonight," said Zhang, winner of the 800m freestyle at the 2009 Rome Worlds. "It's exciting to beat Japan after so many years waiting."

Zhang, who failed to claim a medal on Sunday's 200m freestyle, said it would be a new start for him.

"Chinese swimmers did better than us and we have to accept the reality," said Uchida Sho. "We will have a meeting after we are back to the Athletes' Village to discuss how to improve."

Park Tae Hwan, Olympic champion in the 400m freestyle at Beijing, said the South Korean team were satisfied with the result.

"We did our best and there was no regret," He said. "We are happy to take the bronze in the relay."

Members of Chinese men's swimming team celebrate after winning 4x200m freestyle relay at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Nov 15, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]