Hwang Sun-woo of South Korea competes during the men's 200m Freestyle final of swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb 13, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

DOHA - South Korea's Hwang Sun-woo won the men's 200m freestyle event at the World Aquatics Championships on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old surged in the final 25m, clocking in at one minute and 44.75 seconds. Danas Rapsys of Lithuania claimed the silver medal in one minute and 45.05 seconds, while Luke Hobson of the United States took bronze, finishing just 0.21 seconds behind Rapsys.

In the men's 100m backstroke, Hunter Armstrong of the United States narrowly beat Spain's Hugo Gonzalez to claim the gold medal by a mere 0.02 seconds

"This victory will serve as a stepping stone, allowing me to make necessary preparations for the Olympics," said Hwang, expressing his joy and determination after the event.

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Italy's Simona Quadarella dominated the women's 1500m freestyle, finishing in 15 minutes and 46.99 seconds. China's Li Bingjie was 9.63 seconds shy to secure second place, while Isabel Gose of Germany claimed the bronze medal.

The United States' Claire Curzan clinched her first individual world championship title in the women's 100m backstroke, finishing with a time of 58.29 seconds. Australia's Iona Anderson took silver with 59.12 seconds, followed closely by Ingrid Wilm of Canada in 59.18 seconds.

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In the men's 100m backstroke, Hunter Armstrong of the United States narrowly beat Spain's Hugo Gonzalez to claim the gold medal by a mere 0.02 seconds.

Armstrong finished with a time of 52.68 seconds, securing his first 100m backstroke title at the World Championships. Apostolos Christou of Greece claimed bronze with 53.36 seconds.