Michael Phelps (R) of the U.S. and his teammates show their medals after the awarding ceremony of the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The U.S. team won gold and broke the world record with 6 minutes and 58.55 seconds. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Photo Gallery>>>

    ROME, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The United States quartet led by Michael Phelps broke the world record to win the men's 4x200m freestyle relay at the world swimming championships here on Friday.

    The Americans clocked six minutes 58.55 seconds, 0.60 seconds faster than second-placed Russia.

    The U.S. effort shaved one-hundredth of a second off the previous record of 6:58.56 set at the Beijing Olympics last August 13.

    Australia picked bronze in 7:01.65 and Japan was fourth in 7:02.26.

    Paul Biedermann led off Germany with a new 200m freestyle world record.

Michael Phelps of the U.S. competes during the Men's 4x200m Freestyle Final at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome, July 31, 2009. The U.S. team won gold and broke the world record with 6 minutes and 58.55 seconds. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Photo Gallery>>>

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