Federica Pellegrini reclaimed her 400metres freestyle world record at the Mediterranean Games in Pescara.

The Italian completely dominated her race and touched in four minutes 00.41 seconds to lower Joanne Jackson's mark set in March this year by 0.25secs, subject to ratification.

Pellegrini, the Olympic 200m freestyle champion, had previously held the record before the Briton eclipsed it by almost a second with Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington also ducking under the old mark.

It sets up a fascinating race at the World Championships in Rome next month with both British women showing top form at this weekend's Scottish National Championships.

Although Adlington has yet to confirm her place over eight lengths in Rome, it is inconceivable the 20-year-old will not race in the event.