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Phelps sets world record in butterfly

INDIANAPOLIS, July 9 (UPI) -- Swimming superstar Michael Phelps, nearing his return to the global stage, set a world record Thursday in 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. Championships.

Phelps, who last year in Beijing became the first athlete to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics, turned in a time of 50.22 seconds to break the world mark of 50.40 established four years ago by Ian Crocker.

The hero of the 2008 Olympics will take part in the world championships in Rome this month, where he is expected to add to his collection of international titles.

Phelps defeated Tyler McGill by .84 of a second, a huge margin in the 100-meter event. Phelps won both the 100- and 200-meter butterfly events in Beijing, along with the 200- and 400-meter individual medley races and the 200-meter freestyle. He was a member of three winning relay teams as well.

Also cementing a spot on the American world championship team was 42-year-old Dara Torres, who won three silver medals at the 2008 Olympics. Torres won the 50-meter freestyle Thursday in 24.43. She finished second in the event in Beijing.

Two-time Olympic medalist Rebecca Soni captured the 100-meter breaststroke with a clocking of 1:05.34 -- finishing more than a second in front of Kasey Carlson. Soni won the Olympic gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke last year and claimed the silver over 100 meters.

The other finals Thursday were won by Elizabeth Beisel (with a time of 4:36.31 in the 400-meter individual medley) and Nathan Adrian (who swam a 21.52 in the men's 50-meter freestyle).

Na Yeon Choi leads Women's Open

BETHLEHEM, Pa., July 9 (UPI) -- Na Yeon Choi, who in her second year on the LPGA Tour is looking for her first win, grabbed the lead Thursday after one round of the U.S. Women's Open.

Choi had nine top-10 finishes in her rookie season, but was surpassed by Yani Tseng for rookie-of-the-year honors.

She fired a 3-under 68 over the Saucon Valley Country Club course to take a one-shot advantage over 2007 champion Cristie Kerr, qualifier Jean Reynolds and world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa. The only other player under par was Hee Young Park, who shot a 70.

Ochoa climbed to the top spot in the world rankings thanks to 21 victories over a span of three years beginning in 2005. She has added two triumphs this season in eight events.

She highlighted her round with a 50-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th, her second hole of the day.

"I think I made longer putts before, but this is the one with more breaks," Ochoa said. "It first went left and went right, went left and went left and then went right. I didn't know what it was. It was like a good surprise.

"Anything in the red numbers to start a U.S. Open, I will always take it."

Choi reached 5-under through 12 holes before faltering late in her round.

Those at 71, tied for sixth place, included LPGA Championship winner Anna Nordqvist, Candie Kung, Eun Hee Ji, Kristy McPherson, Young Kim and amateur Alexis Thompson.

Thompson became the youngest player ever to compete in the U.S. Women's Open when she played in the tournament two years ago at age 12.

Davis Cup quarterfinals open Friday

POREC, Croatia, July 9 (UPI) -- James Blake and Mardy Fish will carry the Davis Cup hopes of the United States Friday in a quarterfinal showdown with Croatia.

Blake will open the weekend series against Ivo Karlovic and Fish will face Marin Cilic in the other first-day match.

The Americans will be without Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick, who injured a hip during his classic, five-set championship match loss to Roger Federer. The United States doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan, however, will be on hand for what could be a key match Saturday.

The winner of the Croatia-United States meeting will take on either Argentina or the Czech Republic in the semifinals, scheduled for Sept. 18-20.

In the other quarterfinals this weekend, Germany will be at Spain and Israel will host Russia.

Report: Bivens out as LPGA commissioner

BETHLEHEM, Pa., July 9 (UPI) -- Golfweek magazine reported Thursday that the LPGA Tour has decided not to retain Commissioner Carolyn Bivens for the final two years of her contract.

Bivens has been involved in a series of controversies during her four years on the job and recently came under attack from a group of high-profile players.

A group that included Lorena Ochoa, Michelle Wie, Juli Inkster and Paula Creamer sent a letter to the LPGA board of directors asking that Bivens be dismissed, published reports indicated.

Only 10 tournaments have been officially lined up for the 2010 LPGA Tour schedule.

A statement from LPGA spokesman David Higdon said the tour is focused on play at this week's U.S. Women's Open.

"Out of respect to the USGA and the amazing work that they've done and continue to do in producing and hosting this great event, we will not respond to media reports on internal matters related to the LPGA business," Higdon said.

During her first year as commissioner, Bivens said all stories and photos prepared at a tournament site were the property of the LPGA Tour. Golf reporters and photographers had to sign a statement saying the tour had property rights over their work before they could obtain credentials to cover a tournament in Hawaii.

As a result, no media covered the tournament, including the local newspaper and the declaration was quickly voided.

Bivens also said last year the tour players would have to demonstrate an ability to communicate in English, a move that enraged non-Americans on the circuit. That edict was soon rescinded.