Traditionally a pool-based swimmer, the Loughborough-based Welshman tested himself in open water as have many pool swimmers since the 10km was included in the Olympic programme in Beijing for the first time.

A British squad of eight used the event to be selected for the World Open Water Championships in Seville on May 3 where athletes will then try to qualify for the Beijing Olympics with a top ten finish.

Davies, the 2004 Olympic 1500 metres bronze medallist, won  tough field to take the win in 1 hour 53min 58sec., easily ahead of his nearest rival - Britain's Alan Bircher.

He sadi: "I've been training hard and before I came out to South Africa I had  talked through tactics for the race with my coach (Kevin Renshaw) and decided to try and get myself an early lead and really starting kicking in the final 2km/

"I was really comfortable over the first few kilometres.

 

"At one point in the final laps of the race I thought my legs might die but the motor kicked in and I felt really strong.

"My rhythm was good through the race so I am very happy with my performance.

 

"I felt good in the final lap and to cross the finish line when I had managed to pull away from the pack earlier in the race was a great feeling."

Davies may now have a difficult decision to make about event to concentrate on in Beijing.

 

He said: "At this stage it's hard to say what will happen.

 

"Open water swimming is one of the most developing sports in the world at the moment, and Britain's progress in the event is fantastic and  very exciting to be part of.

"The quality of the field in Seville will be very strong so it will not  be easy to qualify but should I make the grade, the possibility of competing in the 10km at the Beijing Olympics will be high."

In the women's event Stockport Metro's World Championship silver medallist in the 10km event, Cassie Patten was joined by teammate Keri-Anne Payne.

Payne took the gold medal with a solid performance to finishing in 2:05:43.00, giving her a great start to 2008 as she looks ahead to the Olympic year.

Patten had pre-qualified for Seville as a result of her world silver medal in 2007.

 

Head coach Sean Kelly said: "David Davies put in a phenomenal performance in his first ever 10km  race and to finish ahead of the rest of the field in the way he did was a  great achievement.

"Alan Bircher is Britain's most experienced open water swimmer and put  in yet another fine performance to secure his place in Seville also.

 

"Keri-Anne put in a great swim in the women's event to join Cassie in Spain too."