SINGAPORE, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's Ruta Meilutyte extended her reign in the women's 50-meter breaststroke on Sunday, claiming her fourth straight world title in the event at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.

The 28-year-old, also the world record holder, finished the race with 29.55 seconds, a time that reasserted her dominance in the sprint and held off a world-class field.

China's Tang Qianting, who finished second behind Meilutyte in last year's Doha Worlds, finished second in 30.03 seconds.

The 21-year-old, who won bronze in the 100m breaststroke event earlier this week, admitted it was a physically and mentally exhausting race at the end of a long championship.

"Today's showing was within expectations. All the mental pressure and fatigue really accumulated over the meet. I felt very tired, not as excited or well-motivated as I was earlier in the meet. But I didn't want to leave any regrets in Singapore."

Speaking about her runner-up finish, Tang said: "It was within expectations. Ruta is a very strong athlete, with a high level of ability. I still have a lot to learn from her - especially the details in the sprints, training intensity, and race dynamics."

Tang also took a moment to acknowledge Lilly King, who finished fifth in what was confirmed as the final race of her storied career. "She's a very good athlete and a great senior figure in the sport. She's achieved so much, even a world record. She's someone who motivates me. I applauded for her after the race and I hope she could finish her final competition happily."

As the meet drew to a close, Tang reflected on her broader experience in Singapore. "This World Championships felt different from before. I faced a lot of problems, especially mentally, but I overcame them. I believe I can be more mature moving forward. "

Italy's Benedetta Pilato secured the bronze medal in 30.14 seconds, narrowly edging out her teammate Anita Bottazzo, while King, a former Olympic and world champion, clocked 30.25 in a farewell performance that drew warm applause from her competitors and fans alike.