Sanja Jovanovic celebrates her world record in the pool

Croatia's Sanja Jovanovic has set a new world record on her way to winning a short-course swimming race at the European Championships in Hungary.

Jovanovic finished the 50-meter backstroke in 26.5 seconds, 0.33 seconds faster than the previous record set by China's Hui Li in 2001 in Shanghai, China. Germany's Janine Pietsch was second (27.11) with Austrian Fabienne Nadarajah third (27.50).

The German women's team also set a world record in the four-by-50-meter medley relay event, finishing in 1 minute, 46.67 seconds. The Netherlands held the previous mark (1:47.44).

In other races, Hungary's Laszlo Cseh won his third gold medal of the championships by taking the men's 200-meter butterfly race (in 1:55.55). Cseh had set world records in his previous two victories this week.

France's Laure Manaudou won her second gold medal of the championships by taking the women's 400-meter freestyle race (in 3:57.43). Compatriot Alain Bernard won the men's 100-meters freestyle race (in 46.39).

The meet is being held in a 25-meter pool in Debrecen, Hungary about 220 km away from Budapest. The competition ends Sunday.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.