Chinese prodigy Ye Shiwen played down her sensational 200m individual medley world title win after stunning the world and Olympic champions at the age of just 15.

The Asian Games gold medallist was down in fifth place with 50m to go but she made up nearly one-and-a-half seconds on the freestyle leg to claim China’s first swimming gold in Shanghai, roared on by rapturous home support.

“I lagged behind in the first 150 metres so I was nervous. But in the end I tried my best and did it,” she said, thanking her watching parents for their support.

“I do have many difficulties in practice. I have my low points. But I adjust my mood because a lot of people give me strength,” added Ye, insisting she had “much room for improvement”.

“It’s true for breaststroke I am lagging behind and I think my freestyle result is also not that good.”

Despite Ye’s comments, it was her freestyle that made the difference late on Monday as she came from well down the field to pip Australia’s Alicia Coutts by just a tenth of a second in 2min 8.90 sec.

Also behind Ye were defending champion and world record holder Ariana Kukors, who placed third, and Australia’s Olympic title-holder Stephanie Rice, who was fourth.

“Usually I’m very bad at turning,” said Ye.

“This is one of my worst skills but turning is important so I was practising my turns before the race.”