Phelps reels in Cavic to stay butterfly king

Michael Phelps used his powerful shoulders to perfection to overhaul big rival Milorad Cavic and steal back his 100 metres butterfly world record in an enthralling final at the world championships on Saturday. The Olympic great was trailing in fourth after 50 metres with Serbia's Cavic leading the pack but the roars of the Roman fans spurred the American on to retain his title in style.

His long arms reached out to touch the wall first in 49.82 seconds, beating the 50.01 Cavic had laid down as a marker in Friday's semi-finals.

Phelps lost his big battle with Germany's Paul Biedermann in the 200 freestyle final on Tuesday but rose to the occasion against Cavic, who took 50 butterfly gold on Monday.