Phelps ends comeback on a losing note

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina: Michael Phelps' return to competition ended with another humbling defeat, losing the 100m freestyle final to Frenchman Fred Bousquet at the Charlotte UltraSwim Grand Prix on Sunday.

After not conceding defeat in a year, Phelps' freestyle disappointment was his second loss in two days, underscoring the challenge the 23-year-old American faces to extend his dominance to the sprints.

After sweeping the 200m freestyle and 100m butterfly on Friday - events he won at the Beijing Olympics - Phelps stepped out of his comfort zone on Saturday for the 100m backstroke, and was soundly beaten by world record holder Aaron Peirsol in the final.