China sends strong team to World Swimming Championships

China will send the biggest team of 45 swimmers to the upcoming FINA World Swimming Championships slated to be held in Melbourne from March 17 to April 1.

The sports governing body on Tuesday unveiled its lineup for the tournament. China's two top-ranked swimmers, female breaststroker Qi Hui and male butterflyer Wu Peng, will lead the contingent.

Chinese rising distance freestyler Zhang Lin is also on the list. The 19-year-old outshone American Olympic medalist Klete Keller in the 400m freestyle at the Pan Pacific titles in Canada last August.

Meanwhile, China will also send several brilliant teenage girls to the pool, with the youngest one Bai Anqi just 13.

Head coach Zhang Yadong said they aim to win gold medals in the championships and will try to improve the abilities of the entire team.

The Chinese team won only one silver medal and four bronzes at the last World Championships in Montreal, Canada in 2005.

2007-03-07