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PRINCE OF THE POOL . . . Liam Davis leads the 13 to 14 years 200m race as he powers his way to gold in the breaststroke final at the ongoing Senior National Championships at Les Brown Swimming Pool yesterday

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
WITH just a few more events to go at the ongoing Senior National Swimming Championships, defending champions Mashonaland are on course to retain their title this year after swimmers put up some remarkable performances yesterday to maintain pole position on the log tables.

The hosts were by late yesterday leading with a total of 2 316 combined points while second-placed Matabeleland were way behind with 1 077 points. Chances are high the hosts will retain the title as the competition draws to conclusion this afternoon. Mashonaland, who have the most swimmers in this event, continued with their good run as most of the swimmers came out tops in their respective age groups.

And some of the swimmers that had a good day in the pool are the Lawson brother and sister, James and Natasha, who scooped gold medals in the 200m breaststroke in the men and women 17 and Over age group.

They both went on to claim silver medals in the 100m backstroke to keep their team in the lead. Liam Davis also came in with a gold medal in the boys 13 to 14 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m backstroke when he came behind his team-mate Ayman Khatoum.

Davis, who has so far scooped eight gold medals and two silver, said he is happy with the way he has competed so far and noted that there has been improvement on his individual performance from last year.

“It’s been tough, especially with Ayman. I have competed in this competition quite a few times and I think I have improved. I am better than last year. This year I have won more gold medals than last year,” said Davis.

Brandon Chiang weighed in with another gold medal when he came first in the boys 15 to 16 years 200m breaststroke ahead of another Mashonaland swimmer, Gabriel Joseph.

Chiang, however, said the competition has been tough, although has managed to pick some medals.
“I have competed in three individual races and I have two silver and one gold medal from the breaststroke. I am satisfied so far, it’s only that I haven’t been training for a few months.  I have been focusing on school. It’s improved, it’s getting harder so I have to train harder,” said Chiang.

Mashonaland Country District’s Lorna Doorman won two gold medals in the 200m breaststroke and in the 100m backstroke to help her side remain on third place.

Doorman had by yesterday bagged five medals and said she was happy with the level of competition.
“I think in my age group we have some strong swimmers who help me get some good times. It’s been a good competition. I have done some quite good times. I was happy with the 200m breaststroke,” Doorman said.

Masvingo, who are competing in the championships for the first time, were yesterday sitting on the bottom of the tables with six combined points. Midlands and Manicaland are fourth and fifth respectively.