30 Jul 2009

German star upsets Phelps at worlds

5:14 am on 30 July 2009

The German swimming star Paul Biedermann has done what long seemed impossible, seizing the 200m freestyle world title and world record from US superstar Michael Phelps at the world championships in Rome.

Biedermann was beaten off the blocks by Phelps but was in front at the 50 metre turn and won by nearly a full body length, handing Phelps his first individual defeat in world and Olympic competition since 2005.

Biedermann's stunning upset followed his win in the 400 freestyle.

Four world records on day three have made it 15 for the championships so far as the all polyurathane bodysuits threaten to overshadow the event.

They'll be banned from next year.