Michael Phelps qualifies for world 200-meter freestyle final
Michael Phelps kept his world championships on track Monday as he fought back in a "deadly field" to reach the final of the 200-meter freestyle.
U.S. teammates Phelps and Ryan Lochte both qualified for Tuesday's final at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai, where a deep field of swimmers, including 2009 world champion Paul Biedermann of Germany, awaits.
"It's a studly field," Phelps said. "You can pretty much guarantee that it's going to be a tight group." Lochte had the third-fastest time.
Phelps, swimming next to Lochte, looked in danger of missing out on the final, but found an extra gear in the last 50 meters to qualify fifth fastest for Tuesday's final in a time of 1:46.91.
"I just wanted to try to get in. I don't really care where I am in the pool as long as I have a lane. That's all I need," he said. "I have my strategy on what I want to do tomorrow. I tried to conserve as much as I could. I wanted to see if I could step on it a little bit and then back off at the end.
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Photo: Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte both advanced from the semifinal of the men's 200-meter freestyle at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai. Credit: Mark Ralston / Getty Images
