Sun does not rise in Budapest: China’s Sun Yang a surprise no-show in 1500m heats at world championships
Chinese official says decision taken to ‘protect his health’ although he was still able to train ahead of Sunday’s men’s 4x100m medley relay
Sun Yang was a surprise absentee in the men’s 1500-metre freestyle heats on Saturday as the world record holder again opted out at the World Aquatic Championships.
A Chinese official said the decision was taken to ‘protect his health’ as Sun has complained of tiredness.
Despite his no-show, the 25-year-old trained on Saturday and is due to race in the men’s 4x100m medley relay on Sunday.
Sun has a history of dropping out of the 1500m at the 11th hour at world championships.
He was a no-show for the men’s final in 2015 after citing heart problems during the warm-up.
After winning freestyle golds over 200m and 400m in Budapest, Sun had complained of fatigue before flopping in the men’s 800m freestyle final on Wednesday.