GOLD COAST: Tern Jian Han is ready to step up and become Malaysia's greatest backstroke swimmer as he aims to break all long standing national records set by Lim Keng Liat.
Following his success in smashing Keng Liat's 50m backstroke record in the Commonwealth Games yesterday, the 23-year-old believes he can also do so in the 100m and 200m events.
Keng Liat's records in the 100m and 200m are 54.77 (2003 World Championships) and 2:00.94 (1998 Asian Games).
"I plan to attack Keng Liat's records. I will take things step-by-step by first aiming for his 100m record.
“My personal best is 56.5 and I hope to set a new record by the end of the season.
"As for Keng Liat's 200m record, I may take a little longer to break it as my personal best is only 2:04.00.
Today, Jian Han clocked 25.96, which was slower than his new national record of 25.60, in the 50m backstroke final to finish eighth.
Australia's Mitch Larkin won the gold in 24.68, followed by compatriots Benjamin Treffers (24.84) and Zac Incerti (25.06).
"I analysed my semi-final race yesterday and noticed that I was not so good in the second half of the race. I tried to build up speed in the final 25m, but I couldn't keep up with the frontrunners.
"I need to get a better feel of the water and this is something I must work on.”
In the morning heats, Chan Jie served a surprise by advancing to the semi-finals of the 100m butterfly event by clocking 54.33. However, he failed to make further progress in the semi-finals, finishing 13th overall in 54.56.
"It is great feeling to reach the semi-finals but timing-wise I am not happy as I did not achieve a new personal best," said Chan Jie.