France retain men's 4x100m freestyle title

France have successfully defended their 4x100m freestyle relay title at the World Swimming Championship, edging out host nation Russian Federation at the Kazan Arena.

Three of the four swimmers that won gold two years ago returned, with Mehdy Metella joining Florent Manaudou, Fabien Gilot and Jeremy Stravius.

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Russia had been quickest in the heats this morning, but could not keep the defending champions behind them, finishing just 0.4 seconds back, while Italy came in just ahead of Brazil for bronze.

The final was the first without the United States at the Championships, with the Americans failing to qualify from the heats this morning.