Japan's Kosuke Kitajima celebrates victory as he claims the title of the men's 100m breaststroke swimming at the National Aquatics Center in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 11, 2008. Kitajima, defending the title he won in Athens four years ago, broke the previous record of 59.13 set by US swimmer Brendan Hansen at Irvine, California, on August 1, 2006. [Agencies]

Japanese Kosuke Kitajima successfully defended his Olympic crown with a new world record of 58.91 seconds in the men's 100m breaststroke at the Beijing Olympic Games here on Monday.

Norwegian Alexander Dale Oen won the silver in 59.20 seconds, and French Hugues Duboscq took the bronze in 59.37 seconds.

Kitajima's new record is 0.22 seconds faster than the previous one of 59.13 seconds, held by American rival Brendan Hansen, who finished out of the top three with 59.57 seconds.

Kitajima punched his fist in the air firmly when he was introduced to the spectators, some of whom waving Japanese flags and wearing "National Spirit" and "Victory" strips around their heads.

The defending champion swam out of the world record in the first 50 meters and placed third at the turn, but he overpowered others with a strong charge in the final 50 meters.

"It's perfect," said Kitajima after the race.