London, Aug 10 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Hungarian swimmer Eva Risztov showed her stamina to beat the field in the women's 10-km open water swimming Thursday after a close finish in Hyde Park, one of the largest parks in central London.

Risztov won by 0.4 seconds from Haley Anderson of the US, with Italy's Martina Grimaldi three seconds further back in third place.

"It was a really tough race but I was prepared for the race and I'm very happy with the result," said Risztov said.

"I saw Haley but I had some reserves for the finish."

Risztov retired from swimming in 2006, only to make a comeback in 2009.

Britain's Keri-Anne Payne, who won silver in Beijing four years ago, just missed on the medals in fourth, 0.4 seconds behind Grimaldi.

The field was weakened by defending Olympic champion and eight-time world champion Larisa Ilchenko's withdrawal due to health problems.

The men's 10km race takes place Friday, and is the last swimming even of the Olympics.