Fairweather disqualified in world title defence
American Katie Ledecky followed in third, while Australian Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus was not present.
Fairweather won the event at last year's World Championships, although the big three of Titmus, McIntosh and Ledecky did not feature on that occasion.
She came within a whisker of that trio at last year's Paris Olympics, finishing an agonising 0.26sec behind bronze medallist Ledecky.
Fellow New Zealander Eve Thomas also swam in the event, although missed out on a final spot, posting the 14th fasted heat time of 4min 10.10sec.
Fairweather will get her chance at redemption in the 200m freestyle tomorrow, and the 800m freestyle later this week.
- APL
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