Yui Ohashi won Japan's first medal at the world swimming championships Monday when she earned silver in the women's 200-meter individual medley.

While placing 0.91 seconds behind Rio Olympic triple gold medalist Katinka Hosszu of Hungary, the 21-year-old debutant shaved 0.54 second off the national record, touching the wall at the Danube Arena in 2 minutes, 7.91 seconds.

Madisyn Cox of the United States took bronze with a time of 2:09.71. Japanese compatriot Runa Imai placed fifth in 2:09.99.

"I was able to go all out," said Ohashi, a senior at Toyo University who secured her world championship berth by winning both individual medley events at the national championships in April.

"Even I felt I was going fast as I was swimming. In the last 50 meters I zoned in and just swam recklessly. I knew I was in a good position but (when I looked at the electronic scoreboard) I was surprised with my time and was shocked (that I had won a medal)," she said.

Ohashi, who placed eighth in Sunday's qualifying and semifinal races, said she increased her stroke rate in the breaststroke and made adjustments to her arm movements in the final, where she improved her personal best mark by more than two seconds.

"We were secretly aiming for a medal. I told her she could go under 2:09.00 but didn't expect her to go under 2:08.00," said Japan coach Norimasa Hirai.

In the men's 100-meter breaststroke won by Rio gold medalist Adam Peaty of Britain, Japan's best performance was a fourth-place finish by Yasuhiro Koseki.

"I did my best and placed fourth so I have no regrets. I feel a sense of accomplishment," said Koseki, who missed a bronze medal by 0.05 seconds.

In the women's 100-meter butterfly, Japan's medal hope and 17-year-old Rikako Ikee finished in a disappointing sixth. Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom won her third straight world title in the 100 butterfly.