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FINA World Cup 2 - Day 1 Report

Nov 28, 2003  - Russell McKinnon - FINA Press Commission Member

Melbourne, AUS - Australian Leisel Jones broke the world record for the 100m breaststroke on the first day of the three-day World Cup swimming meet at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre here tonight.

It was a night of records with many of the races eclipsing the best of either the world, World Cup, continental or national marks. Others were shaken at various stages, setting the stage for a fantastic meet. The crowd of 1055 was treated to a spirited night's competition.

Jones was pushed all the way by team-mate Brooke Hanson, who recorded the third fastest time in history in the crackerjack race.

Jones was .44s off world-record pace at the halfway mark, but shot home using new-found strength to claim the record.

"The first 50 was not the best but the second 50 was great. We've been working a lot on getting stronger, building our strength," she said. She was not aware of Hanson on her shoulder, Jones said. "I saw nothing. I then heard the cheers (of the crowd) but I swam my own race."

While Jones reigned supreme, there was a host of class swims during the evening with three Australians breaking World Cup records. Jones' was the obvious record, followed by Lisbeth Lenton's 100m freestyle and Matt Welsh in the 50m backstroke.

Jones' swim was easily the best of the evening, gleaning 1014 points and putting her well in the race for the season-ending prize. Two others gained 1006 points