Chinese swimmer Ning Zetao timed 48.11 seconds in the men's 100-meter freestyle heats to make the semis with a top position in overall rankings.
Ning, the Asian record holder of the event, has set a modest goal of reaching the final in the event which has long been dominated by non-Asian swimmers.
"I am in good form, and I hope I can do better in the semis," said Ning.
