Phelps loses 200 free to Germany’s Biedermann; Spofforth sets world record in back

Phelps loses to Biedermann, Spofforth sets WR

ROME — Britain’s Gemma Spofforth has set the 13th world record of the world swimming championships, beating Russia’s Anastasia Zueva in the 100-meter backstroke.

Spofforth rallied on the return lap for a finish of 58.12 seconds, knocking off Zueva’s record of 58.48 that was set in the semifinals. Zueva also went under the previous mark, but her time of 58.18 was only good enough for a silver medal.

Spofforth’s win came just minutes after Germany’s Paul Biedermann set the 12th record of the championships, knocking off Michael Phelps in the 200 freestyle. Biedermann won in 1:42.00, beating Phelps’ previous record of 1:42.96 and handing the American his first major individual loss in four years.

Phelps was a body length behind in second at 1:43.22.

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

ROME (AP) — Germany’s Paul Biedermann has handed Michael Phelps his first major individual loss in four years, setting a world record in the 200-meter freestyle at the world championships.

Biedermann touched in 1 minute, 42.00 seconds, beating Phelps’ record of 1:42.96 set at last year’s Beijing Olympics. Phelps was a body length behind, touching in 1:43.22

It was Phelps’ first loss in a major international meet since Ian Crocker beat him in the final of the 100 butterfly at the 2005 world championships.