The home favourite came home in a time of 4min 1.36sec at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, which saw him top the podium on the second day of the Championships.

Ilia Borodin proved Litchfield's nearest challenger, with the Russian swimming a national record 4:03.65 for second place.

His compatriot Daniil Pasynkov rounded off the podium places in 4:04.98.

There was further success for Lithuania's Danas Rapšys, who set a Championship record to win the men's 400m freestyle yesterday.

He defended his 200m freestyle crown today in a time of 1:41.12.

Britain's Duncan Scott was narrowly adrift of the winner, taking the silver medal in 1:41.42.

A time of 1:41.52 was enough for Russia's Mikhail Vekovishchev to round out the podium. 

The Netherlands enjoyed a strong day, with Arno Kamminga and Kira Toussaint earning titles.

Kamminga won the men's 200m breaststroke final in 2:02.36, with Sweden's Erik Persson and Germany's Marco Koch completing the podium.

They finished in times of 2:02.80 and 2:02.87, respectively.

Toussaint triumphed in the women's 50m backstroke final, as the 25-year-old improved on her silver medal from two years ago.

The Dutch swimmer won gold in 55.71, leaving Russia's Maria Kameneva settling for silver in 56.10.

Britain’s Georgia Davies came third in 56.73.

Italy's Simona Quadarella was crowned winner of the women's 800m freestyle, an event she finished as the silver medallist in long course at this year's World Aquatics Championships.

The 20-year-old secured victory in a time of 8:10.30.

In silver was Hungary's Ajna Kesely in 8:11.77, as Italy's Martina Caramignoli finished in 8:12.36 for bronze.

A national record of 49.06 gave Germany’s Marius Kusch victory in the men's 50m butterfly final.

Vekovishchev won his second medal of the day by securing silver in 49.53, with Poland's Marcin Cieslak in bronze with 49.75.

There was a French one-two in the women's 50m butterfly, with Melania Henique taking gold in a Championship record 24.56, followed by team mate Beryl Gastaldello in 24.78.

Denmark’s Emilie Beckmann touched home in 25.15 for bronze.

Russia won the mixed 4x50m medley relay final in 1:36.22, followed by The Netherlands and Denmark in times of 1:37/12 and 1:38.02, respectively.

Competition continues tomorrow.