Phelps collects sixth gold in 100m butterfly

MELBOURNE, March 31 (Reuters) Michael Phelps won a record-equalling sixth gold medal at the world championships with a dramatic victory in the 100 metres butterfly final today.

Phelps beat his American team mate Ian Crocker in a frantic finish in a time of 50.77 seconds, the third fastest in history and just 0.37 outside Crocker's world record of 50.40.

Crocker, who led for most of the race before being beaten on the touch to the wall, took the silver in 50.82 after winning the title at the past two championships. Albert Subirats of Venezuela finished third in 51.82.

Phelps's victory provided the 21-year-old with his sixth gold medal in Melbourne, matching Ian Thorpe's record haul from the 2001 championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

Phelps is bidding for an unprecedented eight medals in the event and is strongly favoured to win his remaining two events, the 400 individual medley and the 4x100 medley relay.

REUTERS PDS RK1728