Reigning 200m breaststroke Olympic champion Luo Xuejuan of China pulled out of the women's 200m event for ailment Tuesday and did not start in heat 5 in the Olympic swimming pool.

Luo, who claimed the 100m breaststroke title here in an Olympic record time of one minute 06.64 seconds Monday, did not show up at the Aquatic Center.

Former world record Qi Hui of China finished 10th overall in 2:28.66 in heat 5.

"Luo is not feeling well so she gave up the heats,"said Luo's coach Zhang Yadong.

"It is nothing serious but we want her to have a good rest and have some reserve for the medley relay," he added.

Luo said she had not feeling well since Tuesday but she could not be reached presently.

World champions China will swim in the second heat of the 4x100m medley relay Friday with Luo anchoring the team, who won the title in last year's Barcelona world championships.

Australia's Leisel Jones qualified for the semifinals in a fastest time of 2:26.02.

Second for the semifinals is Anne Poleska from Germany who marked 2:26.48. World record holder and fastest in the event this year Amanda Beard from the United States was the next in a time of 2:26.61.

The semifinals of the 200m Breaststroke is scheduled at 20:25 on Wednesday.