China breaks world record in winning relay gold

ROME, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China beat Olympic champions Australia with a world record finish to win the women's 4x100m medley relay at the world swimming championships on Saturday.

Chinese team Zhao Jing, Chen Huijia, Jiao Liuyang and Li Zhesi (from R to L) celebrate on the podium of the women's 4x100m medley final during FINA World Swimming Championships in Rome, Italy, Aug. 1, 2009. China won gold and set a new world record with 3:52.19. (Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

China battled it out with Australia all the way before Li Zhesi touched home in three minutes, 52.19 seconds to shatter the mark of 3:52.69 set by the Australians at the Beijing Olympics.

Australia had to settle for silver in 3:52.58, with Germany taking bronze in 3:55.79.

American Michael Phelps won a showdown with Serbian Milorad Cavic to claim the men's 100m butterfly gold.

Phelps clocked 49.82 seconds to snatch the world record back from Cavic, who shattered the American's mark in Friday's semifinals.

Cavic finished 0.13 seconds behind for silver and Spain's Rafael Munoz was third in 50.41.