Phelps posts third win

Indiana - American Olympic gold medal hero Michael Phelps held off a hard-charging Kaio Almeida of Brazil to win the 200 metre butterfly Friday at the Indianapolis Grand Prix.

It was the third victory for American Phelps in the past two days as he appears to be rounding back into the form that powered him to 16 Olympic medals.

The world record-holder in the 200 butterfly finished in one minute, 55.34 seconds while Almeida was second in 1:55.85. China's Wu Peng of China was third in 1:57.86.

"I knew ... it was going to be a tough finish and I was very tired," the 14-time Olympic gold medalist said. "So I had to check how much room I had and I tried to stay under as long as I could because the best thing I have right now is my kick."

Phelps captured the 200 metre freestyle and 100 metre butterfly on Thursday. He is scheduled to compete in the 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle on Saturday.

The butterfly was the lone race that Phelps and American rival Ryan Lochte were not up against each other this weekend.

The expected showdown between Phelps and Lochte hasn't really materialized in Indianapolis.

"I think for me, being over a second faster than what I was last summer, that's a pretty good time," Phelps said. "The key now is to start doing some more butterfly sets."

On the women's side, American Olympian Elaine Breeden captured the 200 butterfly in 2:08.60. Breeden posted the second-fastest time in the world this year.

"The world ranking was not on my mind," Breeden said. "My main goal was to be under 2:10, so 2:08, I'm very happy with that time."

Missy Franklin, 15, won the women's 100 backstroke in 59.56 seconds.

Phelps's impressive results Thursday are an indication that he is stepping up his performances ahead of the Olympics in London next year.

In January, Phelps had a disappointing performance at the Austin Grand Prix, where he was relegated to the consolation final in the 200 freestyle, finishing in 1:49.90.

"From Austin to now, I'm light years ahead of where I was," Phelps said. "But I've still got some things I want to improve on. I think I made up a lot of ground at Colorado Springs and it gave me a good, solid base to get ready for the world championships."