SHANGHAI (AP) — Zhao Jing of China gave the home crowd an early thrill Tuesday, winning the women’s 100-meter backstroke at the world swimming championships.
Zhao finished in 59.05 seconds, sending red-clad and drum-beating fans into celebration in the second final of the night,
Anastasia Zueva of Russia took the silver with a time of 59.06 seconds. Natalie Coughlin of the United States, who led after 50 meters, earned the bronze in 59.05 seconds.
Gemma Spofforth of Britain, the defending champion and world record holder, didn’t make the final because of a bout of food poisoning in Shanghai over the weekend.