Gold medalist Ruta Meilutyte (C) of Lithuania, silver medalist Tang Qianting (L) of China and bronze medalist Benedetta Pilato of Italy take pictures after the awarding ceremony for the women's 50m breaststroke of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Luo Yuan)

SINGAPORE, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte extended her reign in the women's 50-meter breaststroke on Sunday, claiming her fourth straight world title in the event at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.

The 28-year-old, also the world record holder, finished the race with 29.55 seconds, a time that reasserted her dominance in the sprint and held off a world-class field.

China's Tang Qianting, who finished second behind Meilutyte in last year's Doha Worlds, finished second in 30.03 seconds.

The 21-year-old, who won bronze in the 100m breaststroke event earlier this week, admitted it was a physically and mentally exhausting race at the end of a long championship.

"Today's showing was within expectations. All the mental pressure and fatigue really accumulated over the meet. I felt very tired, not as excited or well-motivated as I was earlier in the meet. But I didn't want to leave any regrets in Singapore."

Speaking about her runner-up finish, Tang said: "It was within expectations. Ruta is a very strong athlete, with a high level of ability. I still have a lot to learn from her - especially the details in the sprints, training intensity, and race dynamics."

Tang also took a moment to acknowledge Lilly King, who finished fifth in what was confirmed as the final race of her storied career. "She's a very good athlete and a great senior figure in the sport. She's achieved so much, even a world record. She's someone who motivates me. I applauded for her after the race and I hope she could finish her final competition happily."

As the meet drew to a close, Tang reflected on her broader experience in Singapore. "This World Championships felt different from before. I faced a lot of problems, especially mentally, but I overcame them. I believe I can be more mature moving forward. "

Italy's Benedetta Pilato secured the bronze medal in 30.14 seconds, narrowly edging out her teammate Anita Bottazzo, while King, a former Olympic and world champion, clocked 30.25 in a farewell performance that drew warm applause from her competitors and fans alike. ■

Gold medalist Ruta Meilutyte (C) of Lithuania, silver medalist Tang Qianting (L) of China and bronze medalist Benedetta Pilato of Italy pose during the awarding ceremony for the women's 50m breaststroke of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Luo Yuan)

Ruta Meilutyte (L) of Lithuania reacts after the women's 50m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

Tang Qiangting of China competes during the women's 50m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

Tang Qianting of China reacts after the women's 50m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania competes during the women's 50m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Aug. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)