Tancock broke his own British record

Davies was just edged out by American Larsen Jensen for silver in the 1500m freestyle, which was won by the dominant Australian Grant Hackett.

Tancock broke his British record on the way to bronze in the 50m backstroke.

Kate Haywood was sixth in the 50m breaststroke, with Caitlin McClatchey GB's only other medallist in Montreal.

McClatchey won 400m freestyle bronze on the opening night of the championships.

Three bronzes was a poor return compared to the last world championships in Barcelona two years ago, when Britain won eight medals - including two golds.

All the big boys were there and hopefully I have put down my mark on world swimming Liam Tancock

The 1500m freestyle final turned into a repeat of the Olympic final in Athens, with Hackett, Jensen and Davies again filling the top three positions.

Davies, who had qualified fastest for the final, was down in fourth at the 500m mark.

He battled his way into contention and looked set to turn the tables on Jensen as he began the final 50m fractionally ahead of the American, only to be overhauled in the final few strokes.

Hackett wins historic gold

Hackett led from start to finish to take victory in 14:42.58, with Jensen finishing in 14:47.58 and Davies 14:48.11.

"I am delighted with the bronze medal and my time because my aim was to go under 14mins 50secs," said Davies.

"The Aussie coach was telling my coach I was going to get fourth. He said I was too small, not strong enough and I was going to be the bridesmaid.

"My coach told me this minutes before the race. I didn't want to hear it but it was a good incentive."

Tancock had lowered his 50m backstroke British record when he qualified second fastest in the semi-finals.

But he had to settle for bronze in the final as Greece's Aristeidis Grigoriadis took gold ahead of Australia's Matt Welsh.

Grigoriadis clocked 24.95 seconds to win gold, with Welsh touching in 24.99 and Tancock in 25.02.

"It's pretty awesome for my first world championships," said Tancock.

"I have got my British record and I keep lowering the bar. I want to be under the 25secs mark soon.

"I was not fazed or scared at all. I respect my rivals - all the big boys were there and hopefully I have put down my mark on world swimming."

Haywood had qualified fifth for the 50m breaststroke.

But she was never in medal contention as Australia's Jade Edmistone stormed to victory in a new world record time of 30.45secs.

American Jessica Hardy took silver in 30.85 and Brooke Hanson of Australia bronze in 30.89, with Haywood touching sixth in 31.49.

"My goal was just to make the final. I am a slow starter and I have got to work on that," said Haywood.