Sun Yang wins 200m freestyle in FINA Champions Swim Series in Beijing

Sun Yang of China celebrates after the men's 200m freestyle final of FINA Champions Swim Series 2020 in Beijing, Jan. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The drum-dance and hot air could not compare with Sun Yang when the three-time Olympic champion delighted the full-house audience as he smashed the men's 200m freestyle at FINA Champions Swim Series here on Saturday.

Sun stormed to a time of 1:45.55, beating his arch-rival Danas Rapsys of Lithuania (1:45.74). Dominik Kozma of Hungary followed with 1:48.98.

"I did not think it as a revenge since I lost to Danas in Shenzhen by 0.03 seconds. It is a good competition with the strongest rivals in the world. To me, Danas is very tough and also a respected friend," Sun said.

Comparing to Rapsys' starting response time of 0.63 seconds, Sun took 0.76, just an arm-length behind.

"I am always weak in the start and turns. Today I started even slower. Danas jumped off while I just started to move. That's what I need to improve. But I swam fast in the middle part."

"Strong rivals and the audience, all helped me to have a smooth victory today. I hope I can keep the form and work harder to realize my dream at the Tokyo Olympic Games. That is to stand on top of the podium."

The 28-year-old Chinese team captain who took a gold in 400m freestyle and a silver in 200m freestyle in Shenzhen leg on Jan 14-15, will continue to compete in the 400m freestyle in Beijing on Sunday.

"I just need a good sleep and prepare for tomorrow's battle. Water is my world, I am used to it," Sun said.