Doesn't 'Suit' Him: Phelps Falters In Textile Uni At World Cup

November 15, 2009 10:39 a.m. EST

Berlin, Germany (AHN) - Michael Phelps won't compete for the world 200m freestyle title after finishing 12th in the event Sunday at Berlin's Europapark pool.

Phelps clocked 1:44.07 in the morning rounds of the events.

Phelps' fizzle out means the 14-times Olympic champion, and Paul Biedermann, the German who successfully toppled the American in the event in Rome, will have to wait a while for a rematch.

The duo differ in more ways than one, as Phelps is keeping his word to don only textile suits before high-tech bodysuits are banned the first of the new year.

Biedermann is in another lane on the matter, figuratively, refusing to give up the high-tech suit until then.

Phelps refocused on the 200m and qualified for the final leading a group that timed 1:55.92.

Phelps told Times Online: "I'm doing some best times and for doing it when not having done the training or not having done the amount of training. I'm not in an awful place. I'm not in a great place, but i'd rather be in here and trying to do my best."