Japan's Daiya Seto Sunday became the first Asian winner of a medley world championship gold medal after winning the 400m individual medley at the 15th FINA world championships, dpa reported. Seto swam a 4:08.69 in the Palau Sant Jordi pool in Barcelona, but had to ward off a fierce challenge from American newcomer Chase Kalisz who nearly caught Seto in the end. Kalisz was 0.53 behind. The bronze went to Brazilian Thiago Pereira. World record holder Ruta Meilutyte was beaten in the final of the women's 50m breaststroke by Yuliya Efimova. The Russian, who set a world record in the heats, only to see it broken by the 16-year-old Lithuanian in the semi-finals, won in 29.52 - 0.07 seconds faster than Meilutyte. American Jessica Hardy took bronze in 29.80. Camille Lacourt led a French one-two in the men's 50m backstroke in 24.42. Team-mate Jeremy Stravius tied for second place in 24.52 with American Matt Grevers. The final of the men's 50m freestyle, the 1,500m freestyle and the 4x100m medley relay as well as the women's 50m freestyle, 400m individual medley and the 4x100m medley relay are scheduled for later Sunday. -- SPA 20:04 LOCAL TIME 17:04 GMT تغريد
