Doha, Dec 04: Kazhakstan's Vladislav Polyakov caused the biggest upset at the acquatic centre of the Asian Games in Doha, when he beat Japanese Olympic gold medallist Kosuke Kitajima in the 50 metres breaststroke event on Sunday (3 December).
China's Qi Hui won the women's 400m individual medley as expected, while South Korea's Park Tae Hwan emerged as a surprise gold medallist in the men's 200m freestyle final.
After a gold harvest at the acquatic centre on Saturday, China had to be content with just two swimming gold medals at the Asian Games in Doha on Sunday.
Qi Hui comfortably won gold in the 400m individual medley in four minutes, 38.31 seconds, defeating her compatriot Yu Rui, who claimed the silver.
Japan's Maiko Fujino won bronze.
Qi Hui believed it was the good showing of her compatriots that pushed to victory.
"Today, the biggest surprise to me is the performance of Yu Rui, who has made a great improvement on her speed. I think she will be a very big inspiration for me, domestically and internationally, in the swimming pool.": Qi Hui, China.
South Korea's Park Tae Hwan was a surprise gold winner in the men's 200m freestyle.
He set a new Asian record while winning the event in one minute, 47.12 seconds, beating China's Zhang Lin.
"I'm competing in four races here, but I'm targeting to win medals in only three. If I try my best, then maybe I could win more medals in the upcoming races": Park Tae Hwan, South Korea.
In the biggest upset in the pool so far, Kazhakstan's Vladislav Polyakov beat Olympic gold medallist Kosuke Kitajima of Japan in the men's 50m breaststroke final.
The 23-year-old gold medallist was equally surprised with his gold medal winning feat.
"Winning against the Olympic champion is always nice, but it is not his prime event and really it's not mine either. I had a great start and went straight into the wall and I was surprised to see myself first. When I turned around I saw everybody so close, you know...with 50 you never know. I was really surprised. You know to win a medal for my country, I'm very proud": Vladislav Polyakov, Kazhakstan.
"I myself I accept that I lost the gold medal in 50 metre. But we have still the 100m and 200m competitions left. So I'll try my best to win gold medals in these two events. And I'd like to show my best talent in those events": Kosuke Kitajima, Japan.
Rest assured, Olympic gold medallist Kitajima is sure to bounce back and finish the Asian Games with some gold, at least.
Bureau Report
