Golden double for Australia as Phelps flops
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-25 08:29

With no one able to mount a serious challenge to Hackett in what had been billed as the highlight of the meet, the Gold Coast law student coasted to his first major international title over the distance after finishing runner-up to Thorpe at each of the previous three world championships and last year's Olympics.

He led from start to finish, opening up a two-body length on the field by the halfway stage and maintaining his advantage to win in three minutes 42.91.

Russia's Yuri Prilukov was second in 3:44.44 while Oussama Mellouli of Tunisia finished third in 3:46.08.

"Obviously it was a shame that Michael wasn't in the race but 3:42 is still a great time," Hackett said.

PERFECT START

Hackett's victory provided Australia with the perfect start to the eight-day championships and they finished the opening night of finals with another rousing victory in the women's sprint relay.

The quartet of Jodie Henry, Alice Mills, Shayne Reese and Libby Lenton showed their rivals a clean pair of heels as they sped to gold in a combined time of 3:37.32 to add the world title to their Olympic success last year.

Germany finished second in 3:38.24 while the United States came third in 3:38.31 after Natalie Coughlin had given them the lead at the first changeover.

Manaudou also completed the Olympic-world double with a stirring victory in the women's 400m freestyle final.

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