Australia fail to qualify for mixed freestyle relay final after resting Molly O'Callaghan and Kyle Chalmers
The Aussies were the overwhelming favourites, having won gold in the previous two editions and setting world records both times.
But there will be no medal this time after a decision to rest superstars Mollie O'Callaghan and Kyle Chalmers backfired spectacularly.
The team of Kai Taylor, Max Giuliani, Hannah Casey and Milla Jansen was still expected to qualify for the final, but they bombed out in the heats.
They could only manage the 11th fastest time (3:25.15) to fall short of the eighth-fastest Canada (3:24.95).
Coaches could be seen shaking their head in disbelief at the result.
The shock result means O'Callaghan will have to wait until at least Sunday to win a record-breaking 11th world championship gold medal.
She remains tied with Ian Thorpe on 10 for the most by an Australian
The superstar will be back in the pool on Sunday for the women's 4x100m medley relay.
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