Vice-world champion in the distance last year, Marchand, 21, quietly dominated his semi-final, and achieved the second best time in total (1 min 54 sec and 21/100th), behind the American Carson Foster.

The French swimming prodigy struck a blow on Sunday by winning the world title in the 400m medley, while erasing Michael Phelps’ world record. The 200m butterfly final will be held on Wednesday.