FOSHAN -- World champion Ning Zetao withdrew from the men's 100m freestyle final at the Chinese National Swimming Championships due to illness, announced his coach Ye Jin here on Thursday.

Ning, who led all the way to win the semis in 47.96 seconds on Wednesday, a world second fastest time of the year, caught a fever last night and had to give up his following events, the 100m final and the 50m free.

"He took some medicine last night and is much better today," said Ye.

Ning has been one of the most famous swimmers in China since he won the 100m free at the Kazan World Champiomships last year.