Hackett Sets a World Record

If Michael Phelps is going to be the star of the World Swimming Championships, he’ll have to fend off Grant Hackett.

The Australian set a world record in the 800-meter freestyle Wednesday night, his second gold and third medal of the championships. His time of 7 minutes 38.65 seconds broke the mark set four years ago by countryman Ian Thorpe.

Hackett was more than five seconds under Thorpe’s pace at 600 meters, but it got tight at the end.

When Hackett touched the wall, his head popped out of the water and he turned to look at the scoreboard. “Yeah!” he screamed upon seeing the time -- 0.51 of a second under Thorpe’s record.

Hackett turned toward the stands and held aloft his right index finger, a proper indicator of his status as the world’s best long-distance freestyler and most prolific medal winner in meet history.

“I have to be on my toes all the time,” said Hackett, savoring his 15th world championship medal.

Larsen Jensen of USC finished second, breaking his U.S. record with a time of 7:45.63.

Phelps had a busy day, swimming four times to qualify for the finals of the 100 free and 200 individual medley.

“It’s pretty much downhill from here,” Phelps said. “I have a morning to sleep in, then let loose tomorrow night.”

Phelps, 20, is on pace to win seven medals, but Hackett isn’t done either.

The 1,500 free is his best event, and he’ll anchor the Aussies in the 800 free relay, expected to be a spirited race with Phelps and his U.S. teammates.

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The United States remained on course for another world title in women’s water polo, rallying from a two-goal deficit to beat Russia, 10-8, in the semifinals.

Captain Brenda Villa scored three goals -- including the clincher with 16 seconds remaining -- to lead the U.S.

“We are now in the finals, and that is what we wanted,” Villa said.

The U.S. will meet Hungary in the gold-medal game Friday.