体坛英语新闻：Lochte, Phelps reach 200m free semifinals

WASHINGTON, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Both Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps reached the semifinals of the men's 200m freestyle at the US Olympic swimming trials.

Lochte, who beat Phelps in the event for the world title at Shanghai worlds last year, clocked one minute 48.14 seconds to be the fastest in the heats.

Charlie Houchin had the second-quickest time of the morning of 1:48.15 and Phelps, the reigning Olympic champion and former world record-holder, was third fastest -- winning his heat in 1:48.31.

Lochte edged Phelps to win the 400m individual medley Monday, while Phelps finished the second. The top-two finishers in each final secure spots in the team for the London Games.

"This morning felt pretty comfortable, so hopefully we can just keep everything rolling for the rest of the meet," Phelps said. "Definitely happy with getting last night out of the way early."

Whether he could match his uNPRecedented eight-gold haul of Beijing, Phelps said: "Anything can happen. You've got to be in the right place at the right time."

Lochte also claimed a second-fastest time behind Matt Grevers in the 100m backstroke heats Tuesday.

Missy Franklin, 17, led the way into the semifinals of the women's 100m backstroke in 59.54.

Rachel Bootsma, 18, was second quickest in 59.69, followed by 18-year-old Elizabeth Pelton and 17-year-old Olivia Smoliga.

The 29-year-old Natalie Coughlin was the fifth-fastest qualifier, clocking 1:00.71.

World champion Rebecca Soni led the way into the 100m breaststroke semifinals with a time of 1:06.33.

Allison Schmitt led the way into the women's 400m freestyle final ahead of Kathleen Ledecky and Chloe Sutton.