The US swimming star Michael Phelps has opened his gold medal account at the world championships in Shanghai, but he had to dig deep to win his favourite event, the 200 metres butterfly.
The Olympic champion and world record-holder, who has had a rocky year, was part of the US 4x100 freestyle relay team beaten by Australia, and he was touched out of the gold in the 200 freestyle by his team-mate and rival Ryan Lochte.
On Wednesday night he had to fight off a late challenge by the Japanese Takeshi Matsuda.
Phelps was second fastest qualifier behind Ryan Lochte for the upcoming 200 individual medley.
The 19-year-old Chinese Sun Yang provided the local highlight winning gold in the 800 freestyle, becoming only the second Chinese male to win a world championship title, while their women have won 29.
