SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - David Popovici called it "even better than the Olympics" after the Paris 2024 champion claimed a thrilling gold in the 200m freestyle at the swimming world championships on Tuesday.

The popular 20-year-old Romanian timed it perfectly to reel in US rival Luke Hobson in the closing stages and take the title in 1min 43.53sec.

Hobson was forced to settle for silver (1:43.84) with Japan's 18-year-old Tatsuya Murasa taking bronze (1:44.54).

"Even better than the Olympics to be honest," said Popovici, who reclaimed his world crown from 2022.

"You know why?" he added.

"I trained a lot for the Olympics but this year has been more relaxed and easygoing."

He added: "I am very proud of myself."

The final in Singapore was billed as a duel between Popovici -- the Olympic champion -- and Paris bronze medallist Hobson.

And so it turned out, with Popovici putting on the afterburners in the dying stages of the race.

Britain's Matthew Richards, who took silver in the French capital a year ago, was a surprise casualty in the semi-finals.

South Korea's Hwang Sun-woo, who went to the first turn in front, finished just outside the medals in fourth.

The 200m freestyle was the first of five finals on the third day of competition in Singapore.