Phelps misses chance for eight gold medals

MELBOURNE, Apr 1 (Reuters) Michael Phelps' bid to win eight gold medals at the world swimming championships was ruined today when the United States were disqualified from the heats of the men's 4x100 metres medley relay.

Phelps had already won a record-equalling six titles in Melbourne and was expected to win his final two events today, the last day of competition, to make it eight from eight.

He safely qualified for the 400 individual medley but lost his chance to compete in an eighth final when the US team were disqualified when Ian Crocker left the starting blocks too early.

Phelps did not swim in the heats but would have swum in the final had the Americans qualified.

REUTERS DH BST0820