SINGAPORE, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Meg Harris surged to victory in the women's 50-meter freestyle final at the World Aquatics Championships on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, silver winner at last year's Paris Olympic Games, clocked 24.02 seconds to claim the title.

China secured two places on the podium, with Wu Qingfeng finishing second in 24.26 seconds, just 0.24 behind Harris. It was Wu's third medal at this tournament, following one silver and one bronze from relay events with her Chinese teammates.

Cheng Yujie took bronze in 24.28. Both swimmers maintained strong finishes to edge out American Gretchen Walsh, who placed fourth in 24.40 seconds. ■