Sun Yang all class despite thrashing bitter rival Mack Horton at world championships
Chinese star untouchable in 400m freestyle after the Australian’s most recent attempt to rattle his opponent
Sun Yang was gracious following his 400m freestyle victory at the world championships on Sunday as he took revenge over Olympic champion Mack Horton.
Sun clocked three minutes and 41.38 seconds, finishing 2.47 seconds ahead of second-placed Horton, who had previously dubbed his rival a dope cheat prior to beating the Chinese superstar at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
Italy’s Gabriele Detti took bronze as Sun dominated the Budapest final, building on his commanding lead at the halfway point.
Horton had taunted Sun again before the Budapest race, saying it was “a rivalry between clean athletes and those who tested positive”.
The Australian was referring to Sun’s three-month ban in 2014 for taking a stimulant. However, Sun enjoyed sweet revenge at the Duna Arena, giving a triumphant roar when he touched the wall first.
But despite taking revenge after his long-standing war of words with Horton, Sun was gracious towards his rival.