BALATONFURED, Hungary, July 19 (Xinhua) -- American swimmer Ashley Twichell won the women's 5km open water event in 59 minutes and 7 seconds at the 17th FINA World Championships on Wednesday in Balatonfured, western Hungary.

Twichell, an elite in long-distance freestyle and open water events, earned her first international gold at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships in Shanghai, winning the 5 km team event and the bronze medal of the 5km open water event.

French swimmer Aurelie Muller, who won the women's 10km open water event, claimed the silver medal in 59 minutes 10.5 seconds. Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil got the bronze medal with 59 minutes 11.4 seconds. Cunha also won the bronze medal in the 10 km open water event.

Dutch swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal finished in the 4th place, and defending champion, American Haley Anderson finished in 5th place. Giulia Gabbrielles of Italy placed 6th, while Michelle Weber of South Africa and Kiah Melverton of Australia shared the 7th place.

Two Chinese swimmers attended the event. Lei Shan placed 17th, while Qu Fang placed 34th.

The 17th FINA World Championships run from July 14 to 30, with the open water discipline staged in Balatonfured 130km southwest to Budapest. Enditem

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