Despite leaving the pool with no new records, Japan's latest up-and-comer Ryosuke Irie still believes that he gained momentum before the upcoming FINA World Championships.
The 19-year-old backstroke swimmer triumphed in all three races he participated in during the three-day 2009 Japan Open long-course tournament at Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center.
"I was aiming at it," Irie said after his last race in the 50 on Sunday, referring to his victories in the three races (50, 100 and 200). "I wanted to do it at the national championships (in April), though. This certainly becomes a big boost for me for July (FINA World Championships in Rome)."