<div><p>Olympics superstar Michael Phelps marked his competitive British bow by helping the US to a shortcourse world record in the 4x100m medley relay at the Duel in the Pool here on Friday.</p><p>Phelps was also first in the 100m butterfly, but only third in the 100m freestyle on a night which saw the US claim five world records on the opening day of the two-day exhibition event.</p><p>The US men's 4x100m medley relay team clocked a new world mark of 3min 20.71sec with Nick Thoman setting a new backstroke mark of 48.94sec during the race.</p><p>Rebecca Soni (2:14.57 in the 200m breaststroke) and Julia Smit (4:21.04 in the 400m medley) also clocked world best times with the US women's 4x100m medley relay squad adding to the record books with 3:47.19.</p><p>Phelps, a 14-time Olympic gold medallist, was beaten by compatriot Nathan Adrian and Italy's Marco Orsi in the 100m freestyle but was impressive in taking the 100m butterfly in 50.46sec.</p><p>The meet here marks the final time the polyurethane suits will be worn in serious international competition before the return to textiles on January 1.</p><p>Despite indications to the contrary, the majority of British swimmers wore the performance-enhancing suits with the exception of world 100 metres backstroke champion Gemma Spofforth who, along with Phelps, wore the Speedo 2010 cut.</p><p>Phelps said: "I kind of feel like I'm at home.</p><p>"We wanted to come here tonight and wanted to keep the ball rolling.</p><p>"Everything is a stepping stone for (the Olympics) 2012 and this is a good way to start."</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=65684023&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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