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Meilutyte and Le Clos shine on Day 2 at Swimming Istanbul Worlds

Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania celebrates for victory after the women's 50m breaststroke final at the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, on Dec. 13, 2012. Ruta Meilutyte won the gold with 29.44 seconds.

ISTANBUL, Dec. 13 - Young swimmers Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania and Chad Le Clos of South Africa were the "most valuable swimmers" on the second day of the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Istanbul as both of them won gold medals with new event's records here on Thursday.

In the women's 50m breaststroke, the Lithuanian revelation of 2012, who won the 100m breaststroke at the London Games, proved her present superiority in the distance, getting the gold in 29.44, a new Championships record and giving her country the first medal ever in the history of these Championships.

Jamaica's Alia Atkinson took the silver in 29.67. Australian Sarah Katsoulis claimed bronze in 29.94. Jessica Hardy of the United States, world record holder and winner of the distance in 2008, took fifth in 30.01.

"I really didn't expect it. At the moment it feels just like I have swum a normal race, but it will start sinking in. It's crazy," said the 15-year-old.

In the men's 100m butterfly, Le Clos, winner of the Olympic 200m butterfly, also swam fast, clocking a new event's best mark in 48.82.

With a very strong field including Laszlo Cseh of Hungary, Ryan Lochte and Tom Shields from USA, Rafael Munoz of Spain and Nikolay Skvortsov of Russia, the 100m fly was a one-way final. The Olympic champion confirmed his excellent season and was even under world record pace at the 50m mark. Shields touched the wall in 49.54 for second while Lochte earned bronze in 49.59.

"The FINA Swimming World Cup was a good preparation for me. After the Olympics, I did not want to be known as a one-day hit, so I'm pretty happy with my race tonight. That was my immediate goal after Olympics to come to the world short course, it was important to come here and win a gold medal," said Le Clos.

Looking ahead, he added: "I was a breaststroke swimmer in the beginning when I was 16, I never swam butterfly. For the next two years, I'll train my breaststroke, keep butterfly and also freestyle."

In the men's 400m IM, with Lochte out of the race for a fourth consecutive win - the North American star decided not to include this event in his program for these championships - the obvious candidate for gold was Daiya Seto of Japan, the best in the heats and the swiftest this season. His main challenger was Hungary's Laszlo Cseh. In the final, Seto perfectly controlled the race, touching first and establishing a new best performance of the season in 3:59.15. Cseh picked up silver in 4:00.50 while the second Magyar of the final, David Verraszto, earned bronze in 4:02.87.

The men's 100m back gold was claimed by Olympic champion Matt Grevers of the United States in 49.89, 0.02 seconds faster than Russian Stanislav Donets, who touched for silver in 49.91. The bronze went to Brazil's Guilherme Guido in 50.50.

Surprises happened in the women's 100m backstroke as the triumph came unexpectedly from Olivia Smoliga of the United States. At her first senior major international competition, the 18-year-old swimmer got the gold in 56.64, followed by Denmark's Mie Nielsen in 57.07 and Simona Baumrtova of Czech Republic, bronze medallist in 57.18.

With South Africa's Cameron van der Burgh absent,the men's 100m breaststroke title was claimed by Fabio Scozzoli of Italy. The 24-year-old touched the wall first in 57.10, a new best mark of the year. The silver medal went to Damir Dugonjic of Slovenia in 57.32 while American Kevin Cordes got the bronze in 57.83.

In other events Thursday, Lauren Boyle of New Zealand won the women's 800m free in 8:08.62, while Ryan Lochte gave a decisive lead for his team in the 4X200m free relay and helped the United States win the relay in 6:51.40. The silver went to Australia in 6:52.29 while Germany, led by Paul Biedermann, earned bronze in 6:53.22.

Gold medalist Chad Le Clos (C) of South Africa, silver medalist Thomas Shields (L) and bronze medalist Ryan Lochte of the United States pose for photograph during the awarding ceremony of the men's 100m butterfly final at the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, on Dec. 13, 2012.

China's Zhao Jin prepares to start during the women's 50m breaststroke final at the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, on Dec. 13, 2012. Zhao took the 8th with 30.43 seconds.

Thomas Shields of the United States competes during the men's 100m butterfly final at the 11th FINA World Swimming Championships in Istanbul, Turkey, on Dec. 13, 2012. Thomas Shields took the silver with 49.54 seconds.

(Xinhua)

Phelps out on a golden high

LONDON - "Before the race, I didn't say anything else other than 'let's go out and win it'."

After winning 17 Olympic gold medals in his total of 21, Michael Phelps wasn't going to let a fact that he was about to swim the last race of his competitive career disturb his concentration or ambition when there was another medal on offer.

Michael Phelps of the US poses with his gold medal after winning the men's 4x100m medley relay final during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre August 4, 2012. Phelps ended his incredible Olympic career on the perfect note on Saturday, winning his 18th gold medal for the United States in the men's medley relay, the last time he will swim a competitive race. Swimming the butterfly leg, the most decorated Olympian of all time went out as the ultimate winner when he joined forces with Matt Grevers, Brendan Hansen and Nathan Adrian to crush their opponents and win the gold.

Phelps drew the curtain on his magnificent career Saturday by claiming his 18th gold medal - the 22nd Olympic medal.

He did so fittingly as part of the US 4X100 medley relay team which won the final indoor race of these Olympic Games.

Phelps followed Michael Grevers and Brandon Hansen into the water, swimming the butterfly leg, while 100 meters freestyle winner, Nathan Adrian had the job of swimming the US home and assuring Phelps' story ended on a the highest of notes.

Grevers swam the US into a lead, ahead of Japan, but Kosuke Kitajim pressured well in the second leg and Phelps dived into the water in second place going head to head with Katsumi Matsuda and overhauling him before the final change.

Once in the water Adrian knew he had to assure Phelps' story had the ending it deserved and he powered home to victory.

"I don't think in Olympic history the USA have ever lost this race. I finished my career how I wanted to," said Phelps afterwards.

Japan won silver, while Australia had to settle for bronze, a result which just about sums up their performance in the pool over the past week.

However, Saturday's final was not about anything or anyone else than Phelps, who will leave London with 4 gold medals. It is only half the total he won in Beijing 4 years ago, but more than enough to be able to call him the greatest Olympic swimmer and perhaps the greatest Olympian, of all time, something recognized when he was given the lifetime achievement award by FINA, the international governing body for swimming, although Phelps admitted having his own sporting heroes.

"It's kind of weird looking at this as it says 'The greatest Olympian of all time.' All my career I have looked up to (basketball player) Michael Jordan," said Phelps, who then discussed his decision to retire aged 27.

"I have been able to do everything that I've wanted. I told myself I did not want to swim when I'm 30 (years old). That will be in three years' time, and I don't want to be swimming then," he said, insistent that his decision would not change.

"I don't care what others say about it (retirement). As long as I could say I have gone out at the top that's all that matters," he said, looking back on his incredible medal haul.

"I have been able to do things that others have never been able to," continued the American, who admitted his achievements and retirement had not yet sunk in: "The memories I have got from the last few weeks will never go away and one day I'll be able put it into the diary."

"We're at the biggest sporting event in the world. To go out and have fun is not something you can experience every day," he concluded.

( Xinhua)

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps prepares to swim in the finals of the 200 meter freestyle during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte Ultra Swim in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14, 2010.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps sticks his tongue out before swimming in the finals of the 200 meter freestyle during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte Ultra Swim in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14, 2010.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps swims in the finals of the 200 meter freestyle event during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte Ultra Swim in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14, 2010.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps prepares to swim in the finals of the 100 meter butterfly during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte UltraSwim in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 14, 2010.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps swims in the finals of the 100 meter butterfly during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte UltraSwim in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14, 2010.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps talks with the media following his races during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte UltraSwim in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14, 2010.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps reacts after winning the finals of the 100 meter butterfly during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte UltraSwim in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14, 2010.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps talks with the media following his races during the USA Swimming Grand Prix Charlotte UltraSwim in Charlotte, North Carolina May 14, 2010.
(Reuters)

US swimmer Jessica Hardy performs in the womens 4 x 100m medley relay during the first day of the Duel in The Pool swimming competition between the USA and Europe in Manchester. The US team set a new short course world record of three minutes 47.97 seconds.

LONDON, Dec. 18 -- The United States set a new 4x100m medley record in women's team on short course in three minutes 47.97 seconds at the "Duel in the Pool" exhibition meeting in Manchester on Friday.
(Reuters)

US swimmer Rebecca Soni celebrates after winning the womens 200m breaststroke during the first day of the 'Duel in The Pool' swimming competition between the USA and Europe at the Manchester Aquatics centre in Manchester.

LONDON, Dec. 18 -- U.S. swimmer Rebecca Soni set a new 200m breaststroke short course world record in Manchester of England on Friday, clocking 2 minutes 14.57 seconds at the "Duel in the Pool" event.
(Reuters)

China's Cai Li greets the audience after the awarding cermony for the men's 50m freestyle final at the 5th East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 10, 2009. Cai Li won the gold with a time of 22.56 seconds.

HONG KONG, Dec. 10 -- Cai Li and Lu Zhiwu of China finished one-two in the men's 50m freestyle final at the East Asian Games here on Thursday.

Cai Li was timed at 22.56 seconds while Lu Zhiwu clocked 22.58.Park Minkyu of South Korea was third at 22.77.
(Xinhua)

BERLIN, Nov. 14 -- Michael Phelps finished fifth in the 200-meter butterfly Saturday at a short-course World Cup meet here where saw six world records broken.

Nikolay Skvortsov of Russia, who had the fastest qualifying time, won the final in 1:50.58. Phelps squeezed in as the eighth and last qualifier in the heats.

The American star, who won eight gold medals at last year's Beijing Olympics, finished in 1 minute, 52.26 seconds in the final.

Phelps is competing in an old-style swimsuit that will become the standard on Jan. 1 and still has yet to win a race on his European tour.

Phelps failed to make three finals at another World Cup meet in Stockholm earlier this week. He was second in the 200-meter medley in Sweden.

While Phelps continues to struggle, German rival Paul Biedermann bounced back from an injury to shatter the 400-meter freestyle world record.

Biedermann won in 3:32.77 to slash nearly 2 seconds off the old mark of 3:34:58 set by Grant Hackett of Australia on July 18, 2002,in Sydney.

Phelps has promised to race as hard as he can in the 200m free, although he's seeking his form after taking time off following the worlds.

The first day of the weekend meet produced a flurry of world records. 19-year-old Shiho Sakai of Japan broke the women's 200 backstroke by finishing in 2:00.18.

Steffen Deibler of Germany improved his own 50 butterfly mark to 21.80. Cameron van der Burgh of South Africa improved the 50 breaststroke record to 25.25. Leisel Jones of Australia broke her own 100 breaststroke mark with a time of 1:03.30.
(Xinhua)

Shandong's Chen Qian waves to the audience after winning the women's 800m freestyle final of swimming at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, Oct. 23, 2009. Chen clocked 8 minutes 20.36 seconds to win the title and exceeded the Asian record of the event.

JINAN, East China, Oct. 23 -- A total of 10 swimming Asian records were smashed at 11th the Chinese National Games after national champion Chen Qian renewed Asian best to win the women's 800m freestyle final on Friday.

The 16-year-old Chen roared to the victory in 8:20.36, knocking over three seconds off the Asian record of 8:23.68 held by Japanese swimmer Yamada Sachiko for five years.

The silver went to Li Xuanxu from central China' Hunan province, winner of the 400m individual medley with new Asian record, who clocked 8:24.94.

Li Mo from east China's Shandong province settled for bronze in 8:26.35.

So far altogether 10 Asian records had been established in swimming events at the on-going Chinese National Games.

Earlier China's Olympic champion Liu Zige had even set a new world record in the 200m butterfly final in 2:01.81, over two seconds faster than previous world best set by Australian Jessica Schipper at the Rome World Championships.

Other winners of Friday's swimming competitions include world champion Zhao Jing in the women's 200m backstroke, Asian champion Zhou Jiawei in the men's 100m butterfly, and bronze medalist of Doha Asian Games Cai Li in the men's 50m freestyle.

In the men's 100m butterfly final, Zhou Jiawei chalked up 51.24 seconds to equal Asian record and break his own national record of 51.36 set at last year's National Championships.

Saturday will see the last day's swimming competition at the National Games, in which Olympic runner-up Zhang Lin will fight for his fourth gold.

Shandong's Chen Qian competes during the women's 800m freestyle final of swimming at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, Oct. 23, 2009. Chen clocked 8 minutes 20.36 seconds to win the title and exceeded the Asian record of the event.

Shandong's Chen Qian celebrates after the women's 800m freestyle final of swimming at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong province, Oct. 23, 2009. Chen clocked 8 minutes 20.36 seconds to win the title and exceeded the Asian record of the event.
(Xinhua)

Liu Zige from Shanghai competes during women's 200m butterfly final of swimming at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2009. Liu won the gold with 2 minutes and 01.81 seconds, and exceeded the world record of the event.

JINAN, East China, Oct. 21 -- China's Olympic champion Liu Zige demolished world record to grab the women's 200m butterfly title at the National Games on Wednesday.

Liu Zige from Shanghai jubilates after winning women's 200m butterfly final of swimming at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2009. Liu won the gold with 2 minutes and 01.81 seconds, and exceeded the world record of the event.

The 22-year-old Liu was awarded gold by China's sports minister Liu Peng to the noisy crowd.

"Every tiny progress could make a new world record, which is very common in the pool," she said, adding she set rhythm for herself in the competition.

She attributed her success to her tough training after the Rome World Championships. "I trained very hard after I came back from the Rome Worlds, without even one day off," said Liu, silver medalist of 200m butterfly in Rome. "I cooperate very well with my coach, who set higher standard for my training in terms of intensity and capacity."

Liu's coach Jin Wei foresaw her remarkable win in the 200m final, as he told reporters ahead of the competition that Liu would not only defend her title but also break the world record.

At the Beijing Olympics, Liu clocked 2:04.18 seconds in the 200mbutterfly final to win China's only swimming gold, wiping over one second off the then world best set by Schipper in 2006.

Her teammate Jiao Liuyang took the silver in 2:04.72, also inside the former world mark.

The Chinese swimming sensation powered home in an amazing 2:01.81, shaving over two seconds off previous world mark of 2:03.41 set by Australian Jessica Schipper at the Rome World Championships last summer.

She was almost four seconds clear of her long-time arch rival Jiao Liuyang, runner-up of the Beijing Olympics, who posted 2:05.57for a silver medal. The bronze medal went to Kong Jie from the Chinese Army team who finished 2:05.57.

Liu's splash of speed lit up the Natatorium of Jinan. To the cheers of the exciting home fans, Liu seized the lead immediately off the pad and roared through the water to secure the victory, leaving the rest of her rivals lamenting the unreachable gap.

"I don't think the result today is fast enough for me, and there is still room for me to better the record in the future," said a smiling Liu after the competition.

It is the first swimming world record established at the Chinese National Games slated for Oct. 16-28 in Jinan of east China's Shandong province.
(Xinhua)

Katinka Hosszu of Hungary poses with her medal during the awarding ceremony of the women's 400m individual medley at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, Aug. 2, 2009. Katinka Hosszu won the gold with 4:30.31.

ROME, Aug. 2 -- Hungarian Katinka Hosszu won the women's 400m individual medley gold medal in four minutes 30.31 seconds at the world swimming championships here on Sunday.

Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry took silver in 4:32.12 and Olympic champion Stephanie Rice got bronze in 4:32.29.
(Xinhua)

Michael Phelps of the United States pose after receiving a prize as the most successful individual swimmers , at the FINA Swimming World Championships in Rome, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009.

Italy's Federica Pellegrini(R) and Michael Phelps(L) of the United States pose after receiving a prize as the most successful individual swimmers , at the FINA Swimming World Championships in Rome, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009.

(Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

Aaron Peirsol, Eric Shanteau, Michael Phelps and David Walters (L to R) of the U.S. relay team celebrate on the podium during the awarding ceremony of the men's 4X100m medley relay at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, Aug. 2, 2009. The U.S. team won the gold and set a new world record with 3:27.28.

ROME, Aug. 2 -- Michael Phelps picked up his fifth gold medal on the final day of the Rome world swimming championships as the United States won the men's 4x100m medley relay in a world record time.

The American quartet of Aaron Peirsol, Eric Shanteau, Phelps and David Walters broke the old standard of 3:30.68 set by the United States in winning Olympic gold in Beijing.

Germany finished second in 3:28.58 with Australia third in 3:28.64.

Big day for Phelps' teammate Ryan Lochte too, as he completed the individual medley double by winning the men's 400m that gave him the fourth gold.

Lochte clocked four minutes 07.01 seconds, beating his teammate Tyler Clary and Laszlo Cseh of Hungary.

Britain's Liam Tancock bettered his own world record to win the men's 50m backstroke final.

Tancock clocked 24.04 seconds with Japan's Junya Koga finishing second and South Africa's Gerhard Zandberg third.

Russia's Yuliya Efimova won the women's 50m breaststroke title in a world record time of 30.09 seconds, shattering the previous mark of 30.23 set by Canadian Amanda Reason on July 8 in Montreal.

Germany's Britta Steffen claimed the 50m freestyle gold in 23.73 seconds.

Steffen broke the previous world record of 23.96 set by Marleen Veldhuis of the Netherlands in Amsterdam on April 19.

Olympic champion Oussama Mellouli of Tunisia won the men's 1,500 meters freestyle with a clocking of 14 minutes 37.28.

Canada's Ryan Cochrane finished second and China's Sun Yang was third.

Hungarian Katinka Hosszu triumphed in the women's 400m individual medley final in four minutes 30.31 seconds, beating Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry and Olympic champion Stephanie Rice.
(Xinhua)

Daniel Gyurta of Hungary poses during the awarding ceremony after the Men's 200m Breaststroke Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. Daniel Gyurta won the gold medal with 2 minutes and 07.64 seconds.

ROME, July 31 -- Hungary's Daniel Gyurta won the men's 200 meters breaststroke gold medal at the world championships on Friday.

Gyurta timed two minutes 07.64 seconds, beating American Eric Shanteau who finished in 2:07.65.

Lithuania's Giedrius Titenis and Australia's Christian Sprenger tied for third in 2:07.80.
(Xinhua)

Michael Phelps (R) of the U.S. and his teammates show their medals after the awarding ceremony of the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The U.S. team won gold and broke the world record with 6 minutes and 58.55 seconds.

ROME, July 31 -- The United States quartet led by Michael Phelps broke the world record to win the men's 4x200m freestyle relay at the world swimming championships here on Friday.

The Americans clocked six minutes 58.55 seconds, 0.60 seconds faster than second-placed Russia.

The U.S. effort shaved one-hundredth of a second off the previous record of 6:58.56 set at the Beijing Olympics last August 13.

Australia picked bronze in 7:01.65 and Japan was fourth in 7:02.26.

Paul Biedermann led off Germany with a new 200m freestyle world record.

Michael Phelps of the U.S. competes during the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The U.S. team won gold and broke the world record with 6 minutes and 58.55 seconds.

Michael Phelps of the U.S. cheers for a teammate during the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The U.S. team won gold and broke the world record with 6 minutes and 58.55 seconds.

Michael Phelps (C) of the U.S. cheers for a teammate during the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The U.S. team won gold and broke the world record with 6 minutes and 58.55 seconds.

Members of the U.S. celebrate with their relatives after the awarding ceremony of the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The U.S. team won gold and broke the world record with 6 minutes and 58.55 seconds.

Members of Russia's team pose during the awarding ceremony of the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The Russian team won the silver medal with 6 minutes and 59.15 seconds.

Members of the Australian team pose during the awarding ceremony of the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The Australian team won the bronze medal with 7 minutes and 01.65 seconds.
(Xinhua)

Michael Phelps (L) of U.S. and Biedermann of Germany attend the awarding ceremony after the Men's 200m Freestyle Final in the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy, July 28, 2009.

ROME, July 28 -- Germany's Paul Biedermann took the gold medal and world record away from Olympic champion Michael Phelps at the 200m freestyle at the world swimming championships here on Tuesday.

Biedermann clocked one minute 42 seconds to beat Phelps' Beijing Olympic mark of 1:42.96.

The American, 1.22 seconds slower, had to settle for a silver, with Russian Danila Izotov third in 1:43.90.

"The suits make a difference," said Biedermann, who was virtually unknown before the worlds.

"I hope there will be a time when I can beat Michael Phelps without these suits," the German added.

Biedermann opened another night of record breaking. Four more world marks were rewritten, raising the total to 15 through the first three days of an eight-day meet.

Britain's Gemma Spofforth set the world record to win the 100m backstroke, while Italy's Federica Pellegrini electrified the home crowd with her second world record of the championships in a semifinal heat of the 200 freestyle.

South African Cameron van der Burgh bettered the 50m breaststroke world standard in the semifinals.

Michael Phelps (L) of U.S. and Biedermann of Germany attend the awarding ceremony after the Men's 200m Freestyle Final in the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy, July 28, 2009.

American Rebecca Soni claimed the 100m breaststroke gold in 1:04.93, nine-hundredths off the mark from the previous day.

Russian Yuliya Efimove got the silver and Kasey Carlson of the United States was third.

Japanese Junya Koga won the 100m backstroke final in 52.26, beating Helge Meeuw of Germany and Spain's Aschwin Grigoriadis.

Italy's Alessia Filippi won the 1,500m freestyle with Denmark's Lotte Friis taking the silver and Romania's Camelia Potec the bronze.

Spofforth won the 100m backstroke in 58.12 seconds, beating the mark of 58.48 set a day earlier by Anastasia Zueva.

Zueva picked the silver and Australian Emily Seebohm got the bronze.

Michael Phelps (L) of U.S. reacts after the awarding ceremony of the Men's 200m Freestyle Final in the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy, July 28, 2009. Michael Phelps won the silver medal with 1:43.22.

Michael Phelps (L) of U.S. poses during the awarding ceremony after the Men's 200m Freestyle Final in the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy, July 28, 2009. Michael Phelps won the silver medal with 1:43.22.

Michael Phelps of U.S. competes during the Men's 200m Freestyle Final in the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, Italy, July 28, 2009. Michael Phelps won the silver medal with 1:43.22.
(Xinhua)

Michael Phelps of the United States warms-up before the men's 200m freestyle semi-final at the 13th World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 27, 2009. Phelps ranked the 3rd of the event.

Michael Phelps of the United States looks up scoreboards after the men's 200m freestyle semi-final at the 13th World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 27, 2009. Phelps ranked the 3rd of the event.

Michael Phelps of the United States competes during the men's 200m freestyle semi-final at the 13th World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 27, 2009. Phelps ranked the 3rd of the event.
(Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

Members of Spain's team compete during the Free Combination Synchronised Swimming Final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, July 22, 2009. Spain's team won the gold medal with 98.333 points.

ROME, July 22 -- Spain performed a rockin' routine to Led Zeppelin and finally claimed gold in synchronized swimming, winning the free combination at the world championships here on Wednesday.

Taking advantage of Russia's absence, the Spaniards put together a high-energy routine that received scores ranging from 9.7 to 9.9 for a total of 98.333 points. China took the silver with 97.667 and Canada claimed the bronze with 96.167.

The Spaniards fired the crowd up by performing to "Stairway to Heaven", even breaking out a little air guitar on another sweltering day at the Foro Italico.

Members of Spain's team compete during the Free Combination Synchronised Swimming Final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, July 22, 2009. Spain's team won the gold medal with 98.333 points.

Spain has struggled to get beyond second place in synchro. At the last world championships in Melbourne two years ago, the country earned four silvers and two bronzes, but no gold. It was the same story at the Beijing Olympics, where the Spaniards took silver behind the Russians in both events.

The trend continued in Rome, with Spain settling for silver in the first three events, each time behind Russia. But the sport's dominant nation didn't enter the free combination, finally providing a little drama.

Then again, in a sport where the hierarchy often seems set even before the competition begins, it was to be expected that Spain would take over with Russia on the sideline.

The home Italians had their second fourth-place showing of the championships, losing out to the Canadians by a half-point.

Canada, which was shut out of the medals at the last three world championships, earned its second medal in Rome. Marie-Pier Boudreau-Gagnon won bronze in the solo technical.

Members of China's team compete during the Free Combination Synchronised Swimming Final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, July 22, 2009. China's team took the silver medal with 97.667 points.

Members of Canada's team wave to the audience after the Free Combination Synchronised Swimming Final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, July 22, 2009. Canada's team took the bronze medal with 96.167 points.

Members of the Spanish (C), Chinese (L) and Canadian teams pose during the awarding ceremony after the Free Combination Synchronised Swimming Final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, July 22, 2009. Spain's team won the gold medal with 98.333 points. China's team and Canada's team respectively won the silver medal and bronze medals with 97.667 and 96.167 points.
(Xinhua)

Memebers of the Russian team perform during the synchronised swimming team technical routine final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 19, 2009. Russia took the title of the event with a score of 98.833 points.

Memebers of the Russian team display their gold medals for a photo after the awarding ceremony of the synchronised swimming team technical routine final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 19, 2009. Russia took the title of the event with a score of 98.833 points.

Memebers of the Chinese team celebrate during the awarding ceremony for the synchronised swimming team technical routine final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 19, 2009. China took the third place with a score of 96.667 points.

Memebers of the team of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) perfrom during the synchronised swimming team technical routine final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 19, 2009.

Memebers of the Brazilian team perfrom during the synchronised swimming team technical routine final at the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, on July 19, 2009.
(Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

olympic spirit

Meilutyte and Le Clos shine on Day 2 at Swimming Istanbul Worlds

Phelps out on a golden high

Phelps wins 200m free, 100m butterfly at Charlotte UltraSwim

U.S. set new 4x100m medley record

Soni sets new world record on 200m breast stroke

China swimmers one-two in men's 50m freestyle at EAG

Phelps finishes 5th in 200m butterfly final

Chinese Olympic champion Liu Zige breaks women's 200m butterfly world record

Hungarian Hosszu wins women's 400 medley gold

Most successful individual swimmers: Phelps & Pellegrini

5th gold for Phelps as swimming worlds close

Hungarian Gyurta wins men's 200 breaststroke gold

U.S. wins men's 4x200 free relay in world record

Biedermann upsets Phelps in swimming worlds

Phelps ranks 3rd in 200m freestyle semi-final

Spain wins gold in synchronized swimming at worlds

Russia wins synchronised swimming at 13th FINA World

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