Goncharov Just Misses Backstroke Medal

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain’s Stepan Goncharov came agonisingly close to a medal at the 20th Asian Games yesterday, finishing fourth in the men’s 50m backstroke final at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

The 23-year-old produced his fastest swim of the day in the final, touching the wall in 24.92 seconds to finish just 0.38sec outside the podium places.

China’s Xu Jiayu stormed to gold in a Games-record 24.04, with compatriot Wang Zicheng taking silver in 24.49 and South Korea’s Yoon Jihwan claiming bronze in 24.54.

Goncharov had earlier impressed in the heats, winning his race in 25.18 to qualify seventh overall for the 10-swimmer final. Bahrain’s other entrant Ahmed Helal finished 23rd overall in 27.81.

Goncharov was also in action in the men’s 50m freestyle, clocking 23.06 to finish 22nd overall, while compatriot Abdulla Jamal was 34th in 24.30. South Korea’s Kim Youngbeom went on to take gold, ahead of Hong Kong’s Ian Ho and compatriot Ji Yuchan.

Jamal later contested the men’s 100m breaststroke, where he finished 29th overall with a time of one minute 5.77 seconds. China’s Dong Zhihao and Japan’s Shin Ohashi shared gold, with China’s Qin Haiyang taking bronze.

In the women’s events, Amani Al Obaidli led the kingdom’s challenge in the 50m backstroke, finishing 20th in 30.10, while Noor Taha was 26th after touching home in 31.57. China’s Wan Letian won gold, compatriot Wang Xueer took silver and South Korea’s Kim Seungwon claimed bronze.

Sana Le Falher was Bahrain’s highest finisher in the women’s 200m freestyle heats, taking 15th overall in 2:10.88. Asma Le Falher followed in 17th with a time of 2:12.21.

Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey claimed the 200m freestyle title, with China’s Li Jiaping taking silver and compatriot Liu Yaxin completing the podium.