Lurz claims third consecutive world 5km open water title

GERMANY'S Thomas Lurz secured a third consecutive 5km open water gold at the World Swimming Championship in Rome.

TOO GOOD: Germany's Thomas Lurz adds another world gold in Rome to the titles he won in Montreal and Melbourne

But Lurz, a bronze medallist over 10km at last year's Beijing Olympics, was given a real fright to his dominance by Greece's Spyridon Gianniotis.

The pair pulled away from the field in the final 1000m and matched each other stroke for stroke towards the finish, Lurz just edged out his rival by three tenths of a second in 56.26.90.

South Africa's Chad Ho was a distant third to complete the podium while earlier Australia's Melissa Gorman won the women's 5km event.

"It's always hard to be the favourite - this is a world championship and anything can happen but I'm very happy to clinch another gold medal," said Lurz.

"Over the past few years I've gained a lot of experience and this helps me keep my determination and will to win."

Great Britain's Richard Charlesworth and Alfie Howes were 25th and 33rd in 57.57.40 and 59.36.80 respectively.

“That was the most physical race I’ve ever been involved in,” said Charlesworth.

“It’s my first World Championships, it’s a bigger event and it was always going to be more demanding as it means more to every swimmer out there.

“It’s hard to prepare yourself for that but I’m still learning about the open water events. It was different from any other race and it showed because both packs of swimmers were all over the course.

“I think if one swimmer had chosen the right lines to take around the course then they probably would have won.”

 

Meanwhile, Olympic silver medallist Keri Anne Payne will look to upgrade that medal when the 10km Olympic distance event takes place on Thursday.

British team-mate Cassie Patten - who won bronze in Beijing - is absent but is tipping her close friend for success.