Popovici won the blue-riband race in a championship-record 46.51sec, with Jack Alexy of the United States taking silver (46.92) and Australia's Kyle Chalmers bronze (47.17).

Popovici's time was the second-fastest ever and he had just too much finishing power for a field missing Olympic champion and world record holder Pan Zhanle of China.

"It's usually the one who can detach themselves the most from the others," the charismatic 20-year-old said of his mindset for the race.

"If I manage to have some walls on each one of my lanes, then I may imagine I'm alone and do what I've trained for."

The race was billed as a showdown between Popovici, Alexy and Chalmers, with all three qualifying for the final in fast times.

But Popovici took control over the second half of the race, streaking clear of his rivals to touch home as the clear winner.

"I'm just really happy to be here, more than any title at any time," he said.

Pan failed to reach the final after finishing 10th in the semi-finals.

Pan said he "wasn't in good shape" after also crashing out early in the 200m freestyle.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

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