Japanese record holder Sachiko Yamada powered her way to victory in the women's 400-meter freestyle final on the opening day of the U.S. Open Swimming Championships on Thursday. Sydney Olympian Yamada touched the wall in 4 minutes, 10.04 seconds ahead of Americans Brooke Bennett, who clocked 4:12.69 and Rachel Komisarz, who took third in 4:13.05. Japan's Norie Urabe was eighth. In men's action, World University Games gold medalist Takahiro Mori produced Japan's best finish by coming third in the 200-meter individual medley won by Brian Johns of Canada.