Hafnaoui claims men's 1 500m freestyle world title

Tunisia's Ahmed Hafnaoui won the men's 1 500m freestyle title at swimming's world championships in Japan on Sunday.

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Hafnaoui came home in 14min, 31.54sec to finish ahead of American Bobby Finke on 14:31.59 and Australia's Sam Short on 14:37.28.

Hafnaoui's time was less than a second off the world record of 14:31.02 set by China's Sun Yang in 2012.

???? Ahmed Hafnaoui doubles up and claims the title in the 1500m Free in a Championships Record time of 14:31.54?? #AQUAFukuoka23 pic.twitter.com/6I9pU5rDjg

— World Aquatics (@WorldAquatics) July 30, 2023

"Bobby is so fast in the end of the race, he just pushed us," said Hafnaoui.

"It was so close to the world record. I enjoyed the race and thanks Bobby for pushing me."

Short led for most of the race but faded towards the end to leave Hafnaoui and Finke going head-to-head.

"I think I deserve it," said Hafnaoui.

Short won the 400m freestyle title earlier in the week, pipping Hafnaoui to the line.