Caeleb Dressel of the United States competes during the men's 100m butterfly semifinal at the Gwangju 2019 FINA World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, July 26, 2019. Dressel sets a new world record with 49.50 seconds. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

GWANGJU, South Korea, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Caeleb Dressel of the United States set a new world record of 49.50 seconds in the men's 100m butterfly semifinals at the 18th FINA World Championships here on Friday.

Dressel, who won seven titles in Budapest two years ago, touched home first for Saturday's final.

He was followed by Andrei Minakov of Russia in 50.94 seconds and Kristof Milak of Hungary in 50.95. China's Li Zhuhao finished 13th in 52.00, failing to make it to the final.

Dressel earlier claimed three titles in the 50m butterfly, 100m freestyle and the 4x100m freestyle relay events. Besides, he also took the silver in the mixed 4x100m medley relay.