Michael Phelps easily beats Ryan Lochte in 100 butterfly

Michael Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly at the Bulldog Grand Slam in Athens, Georgia, easily beating rival Ryan Lochte. Phelps touched Friday night with an impressive time of 51.67 seconds, the third-fastest time in the world this year. “I wanted to get under 52,” Phelps said, breaking into a big smile. “I was sick and tired of seeing 52.1.” Lochte was a distant second in 53.08. This is the final tuneup for Phelps and Lochte before next month’s national championships in Irvine, California. Both are in the midst of comebacks – Phelps returning to the pool after retiring, Lochte coming back from a knee injury that has limited him to one other meet this season. Results from the national championships and the Pan Pacific Championships will determine the U.S. team for the 2015 world championships. – AP