Tang Qianting Sets New Asian Record In Women’s 50 Breaststroke

2026 CHINA SWIMMING OPEN

• March 19th – March 22nd
• Longgang Universiade Center Natatorium, Shenzhen, China
• LCM (50m)
• Psych Sheets
• Results

The 2026 China Swimming Open kicked off today from Shenzhen where we’re being treated to world-class performances from both the host nation swimmers as well as from athletes visiting from the United States, Australia, South Africa and beyond.

Tonight it was China’s own Tang Qianting who made some noise, taking on the women’s 50m breaststroke in record-breaking style.

22-year-old Tang touched the wall in a time of 29.44, clocking the sole swim of the field to clear the 30-second barrier.

Countrywoman Yang Chang was next to touch in 30.64 followed by South African Kaylene Corbett who registered 31.59.

As for Tang, her time tonight sliced .07 off her own Chinese national and Asian continental benchmark of 29.51, a result she put on the books at the 2024 World Championships. There in Doha, she finished with the silver medal behind winner Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania (29.40).

Tang remains situated in the 4th slot among the top 10 women’s LCM 50 breaststroke performers in history.

Top 10 Women’s LCM 50 Breast Performers All-Time

1. Ruta Meilutyte (LTU) – 29.16
2. Benedetta Pilato (ITA) – 29.30
3. Lilly King (USA) – 29.40, 2017
4. Tang Qianting (CHN) – 29.44, 2026
5. Yuliya Efimova (RUS) – 29.52 2013
6. Molly Hannis (USA) – 29.71, 2018
7. Lara van Niekerk (RSA) – 29.72, 2022
8. Jessica Hardy (USA) – 29.80 2009
9. Lydia Jacoby (USA) – 29.81, 2023
10. Eneli Efimova (EST) – 29.83, 2025

She also keeps her spot as the #1 swimmer in the world at the moment.