OMAHA (Nebraska), June 30: Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte set up one last clash before the London Olympics when they booked their places in the final of the 200 metres individual medley at the US trials on Friday.

The pair, who split the 400 medley and 200 freestyle finals, set up a deciding third race  when they registered the fastest two times in the semis.

Lochte got his hand on the wall first in a time of one minute 55.51 seconds with Phelps easing up on the last lap to take second in 1:56.66.

Lochte posted the fastest qualifying time in the 200m backstroke semis less than an hour before squaring off with Phelps.

Lochte has already qualified for two individual events and has the chance to add two more, which would give him a total of five in London with the addition of the 4x200m freestyle relay.

Phelps has already qualified for three individual events and in addition to the 200m medley he also has the 100m butterfly to come.

The 14-time Olympic gold medallist will be an automatic selection in the three relays. —Reuters