41st world record of Rome championships goes to Russia’s Efimova; Soni of US take silver

Russia’s Efimova sets 41st world record in Rome

ROME — The 41st world record of the swimming championships has been claimed by Russia’s Yuliya Efimova, who edged American Rebecca Soni in the 50-meter breaststroke.

Efimova won in 30.09 seconds, breaking the record of 30.23 set by Canada’s Amanda Reason less than a month ago. The next two also went under the old mark, with Soni (30.11) taking silver and Australia’s Sarah Katsoulis (30.16) the bronze.

Britain’s Liam Tancock started the night with a world record in the 50 backstroke. Neither event is on the Olympic program.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ROME (AP) — Britain’s Liam Tancock set the 40th world record of the swimming championships, breaking his own mark in the 50-meter backstroke.

Tancock touched in 24.04 seconds, eclipsing the mark of 24.08 he set the previous day in the semifinals. Japan’s Junya Koga claimed silver in 24.24, while South Africa’s Gerhard Zandberg earned bronze at 24.34.