Denmark's Lotte Friis won the women's 1500m freestyle gold medal at the 14th FINA World Championships in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Friis, winner of the 800m free at the 2009 Rome worlds, led throughout the final to win the title in 15:49.59, while American double world champion Kate Ziegler took the silver in 15:55.60. The bronze went to Li Xuanxu of China in 15:58.02.

"It's always nice to win a gold medal. Kate is an amazing swimmer, there is always good spirit between us," said Friis, silver medallist of the event at Rome worlds.

"The good performance of my teammates encouraged me a lot," said the 17-year-old Li, winner of the 800m freestyle at the Asian Games last November. "Especially Ye Shiwen's 200m medley gold."

"All the swimmers were very fast and I had my own rhythm," said the bronze medallist.

Another Chinese swimmer Shao Yiwen placed last in the final.