Phelps sets world swimming record

MELBOURNE, March 27 (UPI) -- Michael Phelps cut more than a second off his personal best to set a world record in the 200-meter freestyle at the world swimming championships in Australia.

Phelps' record was one of four -- three by U.S. swimmers -- set Tuesday during the 11th day of competition at the championships in Melbourne. Russia owns the medal race, however with 11 gold medals and 19 medals overall. China is second with nine gold medals and 14 overall followed by the United States with seven golds and 15 medals total.

Phelps of the United States turned in a time of 1 minute, 43.86 seconds in breaking Ian Thorpe's world record in the 200-meter freestyle.

Fellow U.S. swimmer Aaron Peirsol won the 100-meter backstroke in 52.98 seconds, the first time the 53-second barrier had been broken in the event.

American Natalie Coughlin knocked 0.14 seconds off the world mark with her 59.44-second clocking in the 100-meter backstroke.

Italian Federica Pellegrini got a world mark with a time of 1:56.47 in the 200-meter freestyle semifinals.

Organizers at the FINA World Championships award $25,000 for each world record set at the championships.

The world swimming championships continue through Sunday.