Defending champion Qi Hui of China sailed to the victory of women's 400m individual medley in the swimming event in Doha Sunday as the 15th Asian Games.

Qi, reigning 400 IM short course world champion, defended her title from four years ago in Busan in a time of four minutes 38.31.

"I don't think tonight's competition is tough for me," said the21-year-old Qi. The result is about three seconds slower than her personal best.

"The result is so-so for me but I still hope to set a personal best in the Asian Games," she said.

Qi, the 200m breaststroke specialist, is expected to defend her title here next week.

Chinese teenager Yu Rui finished as somehow a surprise silver medalist as the 17-year-old clocked 4:39.51 in her first Asian Games.

Maiko Fujino, fifth-placed in last year's world championships, was third in 4:42.70.