INDIANAPOLIS, April 7: American teenage sensation Michael Phelps lowered his own world record in the 400 metre individual medley at the U.S. v Australia “Duel in the Pool” meet on Sunday.

Phelps also earned a $25,000 bonus from meet sponsors for his performance.

The 17 year-old was ahead of the world record pace he established last August right from the start before touching in 4:10.73.

Phelps’ previous record was 4:11.09.

Unlike on his previous record swim, where he battled Erik Vendt down to the last stroke, he took a huge lead on the butterfly leg and was never challenged, beating runner-up Tom Wilkens by more than six seconds with Vendt another second back.

Phelps’ split time: 55.04 (butterfly), 1:03.23 (backstroke), 1:14.23 (breaststroke), 58.23 (freestyle).—Reuters