Bui Dinh Kha of Thai Binh set a new record of 13:03.03 in the men's 1,500m event at the National Finswimming Championships on Monday in HCM City.

Kha's achievement added further excitement to a closely fought second day of the competition, which saw Ha Noi chasing to catch up with the hosts in the standings. They celebrated two more gold medals with Duong Thi Huyen Trang winning in the women's 100m surface event and Nguyen Trung Kien adding to his personal medal haul with another victory, this time in the men's 200m surface snorkel diving event.

HCM City responded by adding two further gold medals of their own with Ngo Phuc Sang and Phan Luu Cam Thanh sealing vital wins in the men's 50m and 100m immersion (diving with an air tank) events respectively.

At the end of the day's action HCM City retained their lead in the team rankings with nine gold, five silver and eight bronze medals. Ha Noi and Da Nang make up the top three.

Swimming fans have much to be excited about as this tournament is immediately followed by the National Swimming Championships, which are also being held in HCM City. Top athletes including Hoang Quy Phuoc and Nguyen Thi Anh Vien will participate when the action begins later today.-VNS