SWIMMING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS : Stewart Breaks Record in 200-Meter Butterfly

Melvin Stewart, inspired by the success of roommate Mike Barrowman the previous day, broke the world record in the men’s 200-meter butterfly at the World Swimming Championships Saturday night and ended the eight-year reign of Germany’s Michael Gross in the event.

Stewart, who set the American record last summer, overcame Gross’ early lead with a burst in the final 50 meters and finished in 1 minute 55.69 seconds, .55 seconds better than Gross’ world mark set in 1986.

“When I looked up and saw 1:55 on the scoreboard, I thought, ‘Wow, I did that,’ ” Stewart said.

Barrowman, who broke the world mark in the 200 breaststroke Friday, shares a room with Stewart at the U.S. team’s hotel.

“I had to break the world record or get kicked out of my room,” Stewart joked.

U.S. swimmers won five of six gold medals Saturday night, with Tom Jager in the men’s 50 freestyle, Janet Evans in the women’s 800 freestyle, Jeff Rouse in the men’s 100 backstroke and the women’s 400 medley relay team taking the other titles.

Jager, Evans and Rouse all set meet records and the medley relay squad, anchored by Nicole Haislett in 54.76, set an American record.

The night’s sixth gold went to Lin Li of China, who beat Summer Sanders of the United States in the women’s 200 individual medley. Also winning gold was the U.S. synchronized swim team, which beat Canada for the title.

The Netherlands won the women’s water polo gold with a 13-6 victory over Canada. The United States took the bronze, beating Hungary, 11-9.