China's Sun Yang claims bronze in men's 1500m freestyle final

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Start with the final day of action for athletes at the FINA World Swimming Championships. Olympic champion Oussama Mellouli of Tunisia won the men's 1,500 meters freestyle final. Canada's Ryan Cochrane finished second. China's Sun Yang claimed the bronze.

Sun Yang of China competes in the men's 1500m freestyle swimming  heats at the World Championships in Rome August 1, 2009.

Sun's compatriot Zhang Lin was fifth. Many experts picked Zhang Lin to win the gold medal, after the Chinese swimmer broke the world record in the Men's 800m Freestyle last week.

Zhang got off to a quick start in the second lane, and he traded the lead with Cochrane. But after racing the 1,000 meters, Zhang fell victim to fatigue and gradually dropped back. Oussama Mellouli of Tunisia took the lead down the stretch to win the gold medal. Cochrane finished second. Sun Yang clinched the bronze with his personal best result.

Sun Yang said:"This bronze medal is beyond my expectations, and I am quite happy with it. This is also by best result ever. I stayed in rhythm throughout the whole race to help me keep my strength till the end. I am satisfied with my performance today."