Zhang Lin made the first World Championships swimming gold for a Chinese man one to remember here on Wednesday, demolishing Aussie great Grant Hackett's world record in winning the 800m freestyle.

The winner draped himself triumphantly on the lane rope, thrusting his right hand in the air to celebrate a world record. It's a familiar scene for Michael Phelps.

Australian Brenton Rickard won the men's 100m breaststroke world title here on Monday in a world record time of 58.58sec.

Brittany Hayes scored three goals to lead the United States to a 9-6 victory against Spain in the quarterfinals of the women's water polo at the world championship.

Michael Phelps was unconcerned about posting only the second fastest time in morning heats for the 200-meter freestyle at the world championships Monday.

Olympic and reigning world champions Russia added yet another gold medal to their collection by winning the synchronized swimming team free competition at the World Championships here on Saturday.

In the coming days here at the outdoor pool of the famed Foro Italico, when the World Swimming Championships are fully underway, there will be moments of absolute triumph as more records fall.

Michael Phelps arrived in Rome for the world championships Thursday, and the winner of a record eight gold medals at last year's Olympics had his first training swim in the Foro Italico pool.

China's Lu Ying has set a world record in the life saving women's 200-meter obstacle swim in qualifiers at the World Games, and Yang Chin-kuei of Chinese Taipei and Lu's teammate Yang Jieqiao were not far behind.

Britain's Keri-Anne Payne led virtually from start to finish to take gold in the women's 10 kilometers open water race at the world championships on Wednesday.