Dhaka, July 28 -- Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh obliterated her rivals to win the world 400m women's freestyle gold on Sunday, with American great Katie Ledecky third.

The 18-year-old McIntosh romped home in 3min 56.26sec, nearly two seconds clear of China's Li Bingjie, who was followed by Ledecky in bronze.It was the world record holder's first world title in the event as she pursues five individual golds in Singapore.

On the opening night of the meet, McIntosh and Ledecky, 28, renewed their rivalry from the Paris Olympics last summer.

They will also meet in the 800m freestyle, billed as the most eagerly anticipated race of the championships.

McIntosh took the lead early on and never looked back to demolish the rest of ...