Kukors beats Rice, claims another world record in 200 IM at swimming worlds

Ho hum, another world swimming record

ROME — Ariana Kukors of the United States closed out another speedy night at the pool, breaking her 24-hour-old world record in the 200-meter individual medley.

Kukors beat Olympic champion Stephanie Rice of Australia with a time of 2 minutes, 6.15 seconds on Monday, nearly a full second ahead of the American’s record showing in the semifinals, 2:07.03.

Kukors didn’t even qualify for the 200 IM at the U.S. championships this month, but she got in when teammate Elizabeth Pelton decided to scratch to focus on the 100 backstroke. Not a good move by Pelton, who was knocked out of that event in the semifinals.

Five more world records were set on Day 2 of the world championships, the last with high-tech bodysuits. That brings the total to 11.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ROME (AP) — Michael Phelps has advanced to the final of his first individual event at the world swimming championships. And it looks as if he’ll have tough competition in the 200-meter freestyle.

Germany’s Paul Biedermann, who already broke Ian Thorpe’s record in the 400 free, set a championship record with a time of 1 minute, 43.65 seconds in the semifinals Monday, not far off Phelps’ world mark of 1:42.96.

Phelps was the third-fastest qualifier at 1:45.23. At least he avoided the fate of American star Aaron Peirsol, who was stunningly eliminated in the semis of the 100 backstroke.