New champion swimmer crowned after first harbour race for 33 years

Hong Kong finally has a new champion - after John Ling Tin-Yu won Sunday's first cross-harbour swim in for 33 years.

The 18-year-old beat off the challenge of 978 other competitors to claim victory in Victoria Harbour in a time of 20minutes and 34.4seconds. 'It's the happiest day of my life,' said John, who is studying in Britain.

The women's race was won by reigning Hong Kong 1,500 metres freestyle record holder Natasha Tang Wing-Yung, 19 - a Diocesan Girls' School student - in 23 min, 7sec.

The route of the race - halted since 1978 because of water pollution fears -- moved from its Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier to Queen's Pier course - to waters between Lei Tue Mun and Quarry Bay Park.

The oldest person taking part was 68-year-old Chong Sing-leung.

He said he liked the new route, but was unhappy about waiting in the cool water before the race. Swimmers used to start by jumping in from the pier. The youngest swimmer to finish in the choppy conditions was Lo Cheuk-Ling, 12.