Lochte surges to outswim compatriot phelps

Fully aware of compatriot star Michael Phelps' strong start, American Olympic champion swimmer Ryan Lochte chose to tail him early and then put in a strong finish to win their 200m freestyle battle in 1 minute, 44.44 seconds on Tuesday night.

"I know everyone wanted to go out to get the clear water in the race. I know the speed Michael has. I knew he would go out fast. As long as I was able to stay up with him, I knew I had a shot," said Lochte, the 200m medley's world record holder, after the eye-catching race.

Phelps finished second in 1:44.79, ahead of the event's defending world champion, Paul Biedermann of Germany, who touched the wall 0.44 sec off the pace.