Pool queen Ledecky reigns in Singapore

Katie Ledecky won the 22nd world title of her legendary career on Tuesday to close in on Michael Phelps’s record as fellow Olympic champions David Popovici and Kaylee McKeown also struck gold.

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American great Ledecky cruised to a dominant 1,500m freestyle gold, touching the wall in 15min 26.44sec, having threatened her own world record of 15:20.48.

The masterful win in Singapore moved Ledecky four short of the retired Phelps's career tally of 26 world gold medals.

"Growing up it was very inspiring to watch world championships, Olympic Games that Michael was in, trying to learn from the very best," said Ledecky, 28.

"I was always a student of the sport."

Ledecky’s win gave the American the sixth world 1,500m freestyle title of her career. She is also a nine-time Olympic gold medallist.

Second was Simona Quadarella of Italy in 15:31.79 and third Australia’s Lani Pallister in 15:41.18.

Ledecky was the red-hot favourite going into the race, having qualified for the final over 10 seconds faster than nearest challenger Pallister.

She also went into the race owning the top 24 1,500m freestyle times ever, and set the second-fastest time in history in April behind her own record.