Qin Haiyang of China poses after the award ceremony of the men's 200m breaststroke final at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

China's Qin Haiyang broke the world record in the 200m breaststroke and became the first swimmer to sweep 50m, 100m and 200m titles in any stroke at a single world championships.

FUKUOKA, Japan, July 28  -- China's Qin Haiyang claimed his fourth gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships on Friday as he stormed to victory in the men's 200m breaststroke with a new world record.

He also became the first swimmer in history to sweep three breaststroke gold medals in a single World Championships.

The 24-year-old built a lead of 0.97 seconds over defending champion and world record holder Zac Stubblety-Cook after 50 meters and never looked back.

He touched home first in a time of two minutes 05.48 seconds, taking 0.47 seconds off the previous world mark of 2:05.95 set by the Australian on May 19, 2022.

Prior to his triumph on Friday, Qin had secured double victories in 50m and 100m breaststroke and a mixed 4x100m medley relay title at the Fukuoka worlds.

"I said that my pre-race target is to win three breaststroke gold medals," said Qin.

"I knew that nobody had achieved this, but I was very confident to fight for it. I was really sure to keep that confidence."