GWANGJU, South Korea, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China's Yan Zibei won a bronze medal with a new Asian record in the men's 100m breaststroke at the 18th World Aquatics Championships in the South Korean city of Gwangju on Monday.

Yan clocked 58.63 seconds in the final, breaking the Asian record of 58.67 set by himself in the semifinals on Sunday.

"[Breaking Asian records twice in Gwangju] shows I swim more and more stably now. That is a very good thing for me. I want to go ahead steadily and solidly," said the bronze medalist.

The best result from a Chinese male swimmer in the event was a silver medal won by Zeng Qiliang at the 1998 World Championships in Perth, Australia.

"I am satisfied with the result and I want to thank my coaches. The biggest improvement compared with the last Worlds is my mental state. In the last Worlds, I was more nervous," said Yan.

Yan competed in Budapest two years ago, finishing seventh in the final in the men's 100m breaststroke.

Yan's struggle was not enough to overcome Adam Peaty of Britain who finished first in 57.14 seconds to claim gold. Peaty set a new world record at the semifinals with a time of 56.88 seconds.

James Wilby of Britain came away with silver at 58.46 seconds, and Yasuhiro Koseki of Japan finished fourth in 58.93 seconds, failing to reach the podium.