Liu Xiang of China celebrates after women's 50m backstroke final of swimming at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 21, 2018. Liu won the gold with 26.98 seconds and set a new world record. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)

JAKARTA, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Liu Xiang of China set a new world record of 26.98 seconds in the women's 50m backstroke final at the Asian Games.

The previous world mark 27.06 was held by former world champion Zhao Jing who set in July 30, 2009 while the previous Asian record was set by Gao Chang 27.48.

"It was like a dream. I did not expect to do that! In fact, it was not my favorite event. I improved my legs in the last few months and I think that made me better," said Liu, who won a bronze medal from 50m backstroke in 2015 World Championships in Kazan.

Fu Yuanhui of China took the silver in 27.68 and Sakai Natsumi of Japan third 27.91.