BAQLEH FOURTH IN ASIAN GAMES OPENER

Olympic swimmr Khader Baqleh came agonisingly close to getting Jordan’s campaign at the 18th Asian Games off to a medal start after finishing fourth in the final of the 200m Freestyle.

Baqleh sailed into the final by winning his heat, but faced a world class field in the final, led by China’s world record holding 2012 Olympic champion Sun Yang.

In a brilliant race, Yang won the gold medal in a time of 1:45.43, more than a second clear of Japan’s Katsuhiro Matsumoto, with another Chinese swimmer, Ji Xinji, coming third.

Baqlah couldn’t quite find the pace to break into the top three, finishing in a very credible time of 1:46.77.

“I gave it all I could but couldn’t quite make it into the medal positions,” said Baqlah. “Congratulations though to the other guys. They swam a great race and I look forward to the next one now.”

Jordan’s campaign will continue on Monday with action in the pool, as well as in Taekwondo.