Phelps regains sparkle as records tumble again

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ROME, Jul 30 (Reuters): Michael Phelps retained his 200 metres butterfly world title and smashed his own world record Wednesday to reassert his authority after a tough 24 hours.
The American lost his world record in Tuesday's 200 freestyle final when he was beaten by Germany's Paul Biedermann but he burst back to form with an awesome display of power.
"I guess you'd call it my bread and butter event," Phelps told reporters after swimming one minute 51.51, bettering the world record he has held since 2001 for the eighth time.
His achievement was all the more remarkable given he did it wearing long pants rather than one of the soon-to-be banned bodysuits which have contributed to a deluge of world records at the Rome championships.