China's Sun Yang tests water in archrival Park Tae-hwan's pool

China's Sun Yang wears his swimming cap at Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics Center during a practice session for the swimming competition for the 17th Asian Games in Incheon September 17, 2014.  [Photo/Agencies]

INCHEON, South Korea - After his first practice in the pool at the venue named after archrival Park Tae-hwan, Chinese swimming super star Sun Yang said on Tuesday that he enjoyed it as much as in any other pools.

Sun said that at first he felt a bit numb when entering the pool and could not pick up the speed, but he soon adapted himself to the environment.

"The training plan my coach has designed for me today is to warm up so I swam just 3,000 meters," he told reporters.

Sun didn't meet Park at the venue as the South Korean star wrapped up his practice about half an hour earlier than Sun's arrival.

"Park is a national hero in South Korea. It is a recognition of his achievements that the South Koreans name the venue after him," Sun said.

Park, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist and two-time 400 meters freestyle world champion, won three freestyle gold medals at each of the last two Asian Games.

Sun, on the other hand, shot to fame in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, when he won golds in the 1,500m freestyle and the 4x200m freestyle relay, and also took silvers in the 200m and 400m freestyle events. In the 2011 World Championships, Sun broke Australian legend Grant Hackett's record in the 1,500m, which had previously stood unbroken for 10 years.

In the London Olympics, Sun upset Park to win gold in the 400m. Sun also took gold in the 400m, 800m and 1500m in the 2013 World Championships.

While enjoying the swimming pool, Sun is somewhat troubled by the accommodation at the Athletes Village. With a height of 198cm, Sun found the bed in his room too small and had to ask for an extra one.

His coach Zhang Yadong also complained that the pillow is too small and quilt not warm enough. Luckily, Sun brought his own pillow, which will allow him good sleep during the swimming competition between September 21 and 26.

Equally experienced for competing overseas is swimmer Fu Yuanhui who brought her own blanket. "I know, in South Korea, it can be cold at night at this time of the year," said Fu.

Joing Fu in the 32-strong Chinese women's swimming team coming to Incheon are three Olympic champions - Ye Shiwen, Liu Zige and Jiao Liuyang.

Giving up the plan to retire last year, a confident Liu said she is now in good shape both in body and mood.

"Having said that, I will still try hard since only the performance in the competition will tell how good you are," said Liu.

Jiao, troubled by stomach pains, was not as confident as Liu. She will only compete in 200m butterfly. "I hope I can adjust myself as quickly as possible to deliver the best performance," she said.

Chinese swimming team is expected to meet great challenges from South Korea and Japan, the other two swimming powerhouses in Asia.