Phelps Edged Out By Teammate

Ryan Lochte defeated USA teammate Michael Phelps this morning to win the 200 freestyle at the World Championships in China.

Phelps was second and Germany's Paul Biedermann, the world record holder, was third.

It's a big confidence boost, said Lochte. "Hopefully this win tonight will help me carry on through my other races. I've still got a big, heavy load."

Lochte will swim three other individual events and a relay at worlds, including the 200 IM against Phelps.

Exploding off the wall in the second half of the race, Lochte finished in 1:44.44 and Phelps finished in 1:44.79.

This was Lochte's first win over Phelps at a major international meet. "I guess it was my time tonight."

Prior to the race Phelps said "It's going to be down to the last 50. There are some guys that have front-half speed and some guys that close extremely well. You can probably guarantee that it's going to be a tight group."

Lochte predicted a "dogfight" and said of the USA duo that "hopefully we can put something together and pull out a 1-2 race."