WASHINGTON: American Aaron Peirsol broke the 200m backstroke world record on Saturday, timing one minute and 53.08 seconds at the US national swimming championships in Indianapolis.
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Swimmer Aaron Peirsol jumps into the pool before the start of his men's 200m backstroke preliminary heat at the USA Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 11, 2009. [Agencies]

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Peirsol sliced .86 seconds off the previous record of 1:53.94 set by compatriot Ryan Lochte at the Beijing Olympics.
Lochte finished second in 1:54.21 as both qualify for spots on the US team for the world championships in Rome later this month.