Japanese athletes have scooped 17 gold medals so far at the East Asian Games.
After winning a further four golds in the pool yesterday (December 9th), Japan edged in front of China, who currently have 15 golds.
Japanese male athletes topped the table in yesterday's events and the male swimming team was victorious in the 100 metre butterfly, the 100 metre freestyle, the 50 metre backstroke and the 100 metre backstroke.
As well as having success in the water, the Japanese competitors at the event scooped gold in the men's tennis.
Commenting on his win in the 50 metre backstroke, 19-year-old Ryosuke Irie said: "I'm very happy to win the gold and the gold in the 200m here, but it was not my personal best so I am a little bit frustrated about it," reported the Daily Times.
Other nations competing in the East Asian games - which are this year being held in Hong Kong - include South Korea and Mongolia.
Written by Kimberley Homer.
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