ROME — Milorad Cavic sent quite a message heading into his showdown with, in the 100-meter butterfly, setting a world record and nearly becoming the first swimmer to break 50 seconds.
The Serbian, who still believes he beat Phelps at the Beijing Olympics, got off to his usual strong start — a second under the world-record pace at the turn — and held on at the end for a time of 50.01 in Friday’s semifinals. That broke the mark of 50.22 set by Phelps at the U.S. nationals on July 9.
Phelps won the other semifinal in 50.48, the second-fastest time and ensuring that he’ll swim right next to Cavic in Saturday night’s final.
Cavic’s record was the 34th of the meet.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
