LONDON -- China's teenager Tang Yi captured the bronze medal in women's 100m freestyle on Thursday, adding the ninth Olympic swimming medal for China at London Olympics.

Tang, the fourth fastest qualifier for the final, was closely chasing her competitors in the first lap, and stood sixth after the turn.

Then she produced a fast burst in the second 50m to close the gap, taking over Dennish swimmer Jeanette Ottesen Gray and American Jessica Hardy, winner of the 50m breaststroke at the 2011 Shanghai World Championships, to secure the bronze medal.

Dutch swimmer Ranomi Kromowidjojo, bronze medalist of the event at Shanghai Worlds, came from the fourth place after the turn to power home first in 53 seconds, setting a new Olympic record.

The bronze medal went to Belarusian swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia, winner of the event at Shanghai Worlds, in 53.38.

It is the ninth Olympic medal Chinese swimmers have claimed at London Olympics so far, with another four golds, two silver and two bronze.

With another gold medal beckons for Olympic champion Sun Yang in his signature 1,500m freestyle, it has been the best ever achievements Chinese swimmers have made at an Olympic Games.