Sun apologizes for 1,500m final withdrawal

China's swimming superstar made an apology for his withdrawal from the men's 1,500m freestyle final here on Sunday.

The world record holder and Olympic champion quitted the 1,500m freestyle final at the last day of the world swimming championships, citing heart discomfort.

The 23-year-old was the hot favorite for gold but did not show up at the starting blocks despite having warmed up for the race.

Sun appeared at the last ceremony of the worlds, receiving the Male Swimmer of the World Championships award. He attended to the press conference after the ceremony.

"I am sorry that I failed to compete in the 1,500m final," he said, who finished third in the heats on Saturday which were topped by Italian Gregorio Paltrinieri, 800m freestyle runner-up to Sun on Friday.

"I had to pull out of the final as I felt a heart discomfort before the race," said Sun, winner of the 400m freestyle and finished second over 200m. "I didn't feel good after the 800m final but I really wanted to take part in the 1,500. So I came to warm up today, but after the warm-up, I was still not feeling good."

Paltrinieri won 1,500m in a European record of 14:39.67, while American Connor Jaeger took silver in 14:41.20 with Ryan Cochrane of Canada third in 14:51.08.

"I am happy for the winner," said Sun. "I also noticed his time. I think I can compete with him in Rio Games, and if I am in good form, I still think I will be the best."

Paltrinieri said he was confounded by Sun's sudden withdrawal.

"I never saw him today, I don't know (what has happened)," said the 20-year-old.

Sun had served a three-month ban in 2014 after testing positive for stimulant trimetazidine which was mistakenly used to treat his heart condition. Endi