Italy's Thomas Ceccon denies American Ryan Murphy in 100 backstroke

(Photo credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)

PARIS -- World record holder Thomas Ceccon of Italy made a thrilling late surge to claim the men's 100 backstroke gold at the Paris Olympics on Monday.

The former world champion touched the wall in exactly 52 seconds, edging China's silver medalist Xu Jiayu by 0.32 of a second at La Defense Arena.

American Ryan Murphy took bronze and was brave in his bid for a second gold