Alwyn sets new 50m record

KUALA LUMPUR: Alwyn Tan Yean Yang was the star performer on the final day of the Malaysian Open swimming championships as he set a new national record in the men’s 50m freestyle.

The 17-year-old clocked 23.17 in the heat to erase Foo Jian Beng’s time of 23.42 set at the same meet in 2011.

Alwyn, however, was unable to improve his time in the final. He finished in 23.40 to win the gold.

Keith Lim Kit Sern clocked 23.74 to take the silver while Selangor’s Chan Jie finished third in 23.98.

“I came close to beating the national record three times. I am really glad to finally beat it,” said Alwyn from the Penang Swimming Club.

Alwyn was also elated that his time earned him a place in the Singapore SEA Games in June.

“I am hoping for at least a podium finish in June,” said Alwyn, who was also a silver medallist in the 100m freestyle.