According to the International Swimming Federation (FINA), a record total of 244 athletes from 27 countries have entered the competition in the Chinese capital.

The event, due to begin tomorrow and conclude on Sunday (November 4) at the venue which hosted swimming at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, marks the start of the final cluster.

Sjostrom, who won 100 metres butterfly gold at Rio 2016, has admitted she is not in the best shape for the event.

"I just arrived yesterday," the Swede said. 

"I am still fighting against the jet-lag. 

"I am probably not in my best shape, maybe I can be better in Tokyo and Singapore. 

"Besides that, I feel tired after three weeks of heavy training camp.”

She added: "So this week I am going to adapt to time difference and get back to racing. 

"But I will try to swim very very fast to get more points."

Hosszú will compete in 14 events in Beijing and is targeting adding to her superb form so far this year, which has seen her win 20 World Cup races.

The host nation's squad will feature star names including Xu Jiayu, Liu Xiang and Ye Shiwen.

"I take the World Cup as a serious preparation for the comping World Swimming Championships which is to be held in my hometown Hangzhou in December," Olympic silver medallist Xu said.

"I am looking forward to competing in front of my family members and friends."