Dec. 5, 2005
AUBURN, Ala. - Sophomore Romain Maire improved slightly during his night swim in the 100-meter backstroke. The native of Dijon, France, didn't move up in place, finishing seventh, but recorded a faster mark of 59.18. Maire posted a time of 59.37 during prelims.
Alexander Righi of Yale University won the consolation finals in 57.81, while Cory Chitwood (58.35) and Omar Pinzon (58.46) were second and third.
Florida Olympian Ryan Lochte won the 100 back title, his third win in as many events, registering a mark of 55.83. Wisconsin's Adam Mania was the runner-up at 56.36.
Louis Paul had a rough night in the bonus finals of the 200 freestyle, placing eighth in 1:57.69, which was over a second off his prelim mark of 1:56.37.
Purdue's stay at the U.S. Open concludes Saturday with Paul and Maire both competing in the 100 free. Live results of the U.S. Open can be found via omegatiming.com and usaswimming.org.
U.S. Open Day Two Prelims Recap
AUBURN, Ala. - Sophomore Romain Maire qualified for the consolation finals of the 100-meter backstroke, posting a 15th place time of 59.37. In his heat, Maire finished fourth from lane eight. His 50-meter split was clocked at 28.75.
"His time is about where it should be," said Purdue assistant coach Bill Weaver. "He always goes faster at night, so hopefully he'll move up a bit and record a lifetime best."
Maire's seed time in the 100 back entering this weekend was 59.09. His personal record is about 58.00.
Louis Paul also qualified for a night swim, finishing 24th in the 200 freestyle, which places him in the bonus final.
Paul's time was listed at 1:56.37. His 50-meter splits were clocked at 26.82, 29.36, 30.04 and 30.15.
Maire's race tonight is scheduled to begin at 6:11 p.m. (CST), while Paul's race starts at 6:30 p.m. Live results from the U.S. Open can be found via omegatiming.com or usaswimming.org.