Rapšys produced an impressive performance, as the 20th edition of the Championships began at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

The 24-year-old powered to victory in a time of 3min 33.20sec, lowering the mark of 3:34.55 set by Germany's Paul Biedermann back in 2009.

It was Rapšys' second gold medal at the Championships, after he won the men’s 200m freestyle title two years ago in Copenhagen.

Britain's Thomas Dean finished arunner-up, clocking 3:37.95, while Italy's Gabriele Detti placed third in 3:38.06.

Hungarian star Katinka Hosszú triumphed in the women's 400m individual medley, with a time of 4:25.10 earning her a 17th gold medal at the event.

She led a Hungarian one-two, with Zsuzsanna Jakabos placing second in 4:28.76, while Italy's Ilaria Cusinato completed the podium in 4:29.13.

Poland's Radosław Kawęcki won the men's 200m breaststroke title for the fifth time in his career, as the 28-year-old finished in a winning time of 1:49.26.

Germany's Christian Diener and Britain's Luke Greenbank completed the podium places, after finishing in times of 1:50.05 and 1:50.09, respectively.

Italy's Benedetta Pilato, who won World Aquatics Championship silver earlier this year at age 14, triumphed in the women's 50m breaststroke final.

Pilato achieved a world junior record time of 29.32 to win the event.

Her team mate Martina Carraro placed second in 29.60, while Ireland's Mona McSharry was third in 29.87.

Russian star Vladimir Morozov won the men's competition in a Championship record 25.51, with Turkey’s Emre Sakci trailing in second in 25.83.

Bronze was claimed by The Netherlands' Arno Kamminga, who finished in 25.84.

Morozov returned to the pool to help Russia win the men's 4x50m freestyle relay in a time of 1min 22.92sec.

Poland and Italy completed the top three in 1:23.74 and 1:24.50, respectively.

Competition continues tomorrow.