Americans Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte top qualifiers for 200 IM

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte finished 1-2 in their 200-meter individual medley semifinal heat Wednesday night to set up a final showdown Thursday night.

Phelps finished in 1:55.78, ahead of Lochte (1:56.28) and Brazilian favorite Thiago Pereira (1:57.11).

Phelps could become the third athlete to win the same individual event at four Olympics. He'll also try to win a record-breaking 15th individual Olympic medal. Lochte, who has medaled in the event at the past three Olympics, is seeking his 13th Olympic medal, which would tie him for the third-most by any man.