It is a measure of the man and the mission ahead of him that the world's media is awash with one line - be it headline or brief round-up column - from the swimming world this morning: "Phelps loses twice". The shock-horror news unfolded at the Santa Clara international grand prix in California, where the eight-times gold medal winner of Beijing was pipped by world champion Brant Hayden (CAN) in the 100m free and then pipped again by Olympic 200m back champion Ryan Lochte in the 100m on his back. 

The meet also witnessed a 2:06.99 200m backstroke from US-based Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry (ZIM), ahead of  Australia’s Meagan Nay, on 2:08.61. Coventry's effort was the performance of the meet.

Hayden, of Vancouver, is finding good form just in time for defending the world crown he shared with Filippo Magnini (ITA) in Melbourne two years ago before the world of sprinting was turned on its head by the advent of apparel that enhances performance. World titles get underway in Rome in the third week of July. The US will be the last big nation to select its entire team for Rome 2009 at trials early next month.

Hayden out-touched Phelps at Santa Clara by 48.44sec to 48.87, before Lochte blasted away from Phelps in the 100m back and held on for a 54.15 win, over 54.31, Phelps racing past Australia’s Ashley Delaney, third in 54.41, and fellow-American Matt Grevers in the closing stages of the race.

In the sprint free, Phelps made a second-half late charge out in Lane 8 to get past US teammate Nathan Adrian, third in 48.94 but Hayden was not to be thwarted. 

"I was really excited and getting that time really put me over the top," Hayden told local reporters. "It's great to have that speed at this point in the season and any time you beat Michael Phelps it's icing on the cake. He is such a great competitor and to race against him is an honour. A few years ago at this pool, he beat me on the turn and tonight I didn't want that to happen again and I had one of my stronger turns."

Hayden's coach Tom Johnson was impressed with his charge: "The level of the field was really strong and Brent rose to the occasion. Any time you can win a race against Michael Phelps it's a good thing. It's a good indicator and puts him into the mix with just over a month to go before the world championships."

Canada enjoyed more success at the other end of the distance spectrum, Olympic bronze medallist Ryan Cochrane fending off a late challenge from Robert Hurley (AUS)  for a 15:06.70 victory by 0.38sec. Ryan Napoleon (AUS) took third in 15:16.66.

"Ryan showed in this race that he's gained a lot of experience," said Cochrane's coach Randy Bennett. "He knew what he needed to do to get the win. We were both hoping for a better time and he'll work on being sharper and faster for the trials."

Brian Johns complete a trio of wins for Canada, with 2:01.25 win in the 200m medley ahead of American Jack Brown, on 2:02.37, and Australia Stephen Parkes, on 2:03.90.

In other action, Ariana Kukors claimed the 200m medley in 2:10.88 ahead of  Julia Smit, on 2:12.36, and Olympic champion Stephanie Rice (AUS), on 2:12.84, and Brenton Rickard (AUS) clocked 2:10.37 to win the 200m breaststroke by a comfortable margin. 

Mary DeScenza won the 200m fly in 2:08.78 and with that sealed the $20,000 2008-2009 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series top prize. "Winning the Grand Prix Series is one of my top accomplishments," she said through USA Swimming. "I’d like to thank my family, friends, coaches and sponsors. I planned to go to most of the Grand Prix meets this year but it wasn’t until after the first few stops that I realised I had the opportunity to win."

The series kicked off Nov. 14, 2008 in Minneapolis, Minn., and included meets in Long Beach, Calif., Columbia, Mo., Austin, Texas and Charlotte, N.C.. Santa Clara was the final stop.

"We are happy to have had another successful Grand Prix Series this year," said Mark Schubert, USA Swimming’s National Team Head Coach and General Manager. "Mary did a fabulous job and proved that she’s a strong competitor in multiple events. This is our second year with prize money and we are pleased with the competitiveness that is has created amongst swimmers competing in the series."

In the summer of the 13th FINA world championships, The Suit Remains Significant.