Kingsman in final

Press, 23 September 1988, Page 22

Kingsman in final

PA Seoul The Auckland 200 m men’s backstroker, Paul Kingsman, qualified for last evening’s final by swimming 2min 02.2 s in heat six.

The dual 1986 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Kingsman was fortunate to draw a fast heat and was seventh fastest qualifier. He was placed fourth in the heat and four swimmers qualified for the final. Heat six was won by the Russian Serguei Zabolotnov y in 2m 01.275. The world record holder, Igor Polianski — swimming, in the same heat — swam 30m underwater in submarine fashion at the beginning

of the race and finished second in 2m 01.75. Earlier three other New Zealand swimmers failed to make finals.

They were Sharon Musson and Sylvia Hume (women’s 100 m backstroke) and Ross Anderson (men’s 100 m freestyle). Kingsman’s race was delayed briefly when the public address announcer advised spectators that Hungary’s world record 400 m medley swimmer, Tamas Darnyi, had been disqualified for an incorrect heat in heat five.

Leading qualifiers for last evening’s final were Zabolotnov, the East Germans Frank Baltrusch and Dirk Richter and Polianski.