And it was also marginally slower than his previous world best of 57.10, which he had set at last year's European Championships in Glasgow.

But it was still more than enough to ensure his third-consecutive world title at the distance, well over a second in front of Wilby, who recorded a time of 58.46 in second place.

Wilby's silver marked his first world medal, and something of a surprise one after he had qualified in third place from the semi-finals behind Zibei.

Peaty's dominance in the event stretches back to 2015 when he broke the world record for the first time at the British Championships, his time of 57.92 making him the first man to go under 58 seconds.

Nevertheless Peaty professed bigger ambitions, insisting it was possible to lower the target by at least another second, and launching his 'Project 56' campaign.

Peaty achieved that target in style in the semi-finals and – although he did not lower it further in the final – he has maintained it could be possible to go faster still.

Australian swimmer Mack Horton has been sent a warning letter by the sport's governing body FINA after refusing to stand on the podium for Sunday's 400m freestyle medal ceremony.

Horton, who won the silver medal, was protesting against winner Sun Yang, who has previously served a drugs ban and currently faces a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport over a decision to clear him of a further doping offence.

In a statement FINA said: "[FINA] has decided to send a warning letter to Swimming Australia Ltd and to athlete Mack Hurton (AUS).

"While FINA respects the principle of freedom of speech, it has to be conducted in the right context.

"The matter over which Mack Horton was allegedly protesting is currently under review by CAS and therefore it is not appropriate for FINA to prejudice this hearing by commenting further."