Melbourne, AUS - Two Australian records were bettered on the first night of the FINA World Cup 5 swimming meet at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre here today.

Justin Norris claimed the 200m butterfly record with 1:54.43 and Amanda Pascoe bettered an eight-year mark in the 800m freestyle with 8:21.27.

Two other Australians scored big wins, Jim Piper heading off multiple world record holder Ed Moses (USA) and Morgan Knabe (CAN) in the 50m breaststroke and world 50m butterfly record holder Geoff Huegill winning the 100m individual medley.

But the race everyone wanted to see go Australia's way, didn't. The United States' Jason Lezak 47.79 out-touched Michael Klim (AUS) in the 100m freestyle 48.43 tied for secon with Ashley Callus (AUS)

Hometown hero Matt Welsh won the 50m backstroke to the delight of the huge crowd with 24.34.

In a swim meet with unprecedented live television coverage and delayed highlights, as well as large crowds at the heats and finals, the first night was a huge success.

There are 16 countries represented with 138 Australian swimmers and 89 internationals for a total of 227 athletes.

Olympic and World Champion Grant Hackett had to withdraw from the World Cup, having had an altercation with a baseball-pitching machine.