Ryan Lochte holds off Michael Phelps in medley at US national championships

Lochte, the world record holder in the niche event, held off a fast-finishing Phelps to win in a time of one minute 56.50 seconds, with the 18-time Olympic Games gold medallist 0.05secs back.

Phelps turned into the freestyle leg 1.6secs behind Lochte, but almost pulled off a stunning fightback much to the delight of the crowd in Irvine, California.

Other finals in the men's events were won by Michael McBroom and Anthony Ervin, winners of the 800m and 50m freestyle respectively.

McBroom won in a time of 7:49.66, while Ervin downed the likes of Nathan Adrian to win in 21.55secs.

In the pick of the women's finals, Katy Campbell took out the 1500m freestyle event in a time of 16:17.59.

Melanie Margalis was the 200m individual medley winner in 2:10.20, while the 50m freestyle title went the way of Simone Manuel (24.56secs).