Swimming: Christina books world ticket

Christina Loh equalled the qualifying mark of 32.31 for the World Championships in the 50m breaststroke.

CHRISTINA Loh has booked her place in the Malaysian team for next month's World Championships in Shanghai.

The 16-year-old qualified on merit at the recent Southeast Asian age-group championships in Vietnam.

Christina made headlines at the event by setting meet records en route to winning all the three breaststroke events.

The Penang-born started her campaign by equalling her national mark of 32.31 to claim the 50m breaststroke title. The qualifying mark for the World Championships is also 32.31.
Christina will join seniors Chan Kah Yan (women's 50m backstroke), Khoo Cai Lin (women's 800m freestyle), Chui Lai Kwan (women's 100m freestyle) and Kevin Yeap (men's 800m freestyle) when she makes her maiden appearance at the world meet.

The youngster also smashed the 100m breaststroke record by three seconds to win in 1:11.29 and then wrapped up the proceedings by winning the 200m breaststroke in 2:36.97.

Christina's splashing achievement in Vietnam puts her in a position to challenge for medals at the Indonesia Sea Games in November.

Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia secretary Edwin Chong said Christina, if she continues with her form, will be a strong contender in breaststroke disciplines at the Sea Games.

"The women's breaststroke races will be strong prospects for gold as we can also look to Siow Yi Ting," said Chong.

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