MELBOURNE, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Laure Manaudou shared the spotlight with American wunderkind Michael Phelps here on Wednesday, as the French star triumphed in the women's 200 freestyle by setting a new world record at the fast World Championships.

Manaudou didn't enter the race as hot favorite, since she only qualified fifth fastest for the final and had swam ten races before the final.

Besides, Italian Federica Pellegrini showed her sensational form by qualifying for the final with a world record time of 1:56.47.

However, Manaudou went under the world record pace since the beginning and touched the wall first in 1:55.52.

Less than 10 minutes before, Phelps smashed his own world record of the men's 200 meters butterfly and claimed his third gold at the Championships.

Germany Annika also surpassed Pellegrini's world record in 1:55.68, but had to settle for second. Pellegrini took the bronze in 1:56.97.

"The 200m came as a bit of a surprise," said the 20-year-old Manaudou. "I am much better at the 400m. Today, I just performed exceptionally well - it was an exception."

As the world and Olympic champion in the 400 meters freestyle, Manaudou had shown her solid form in the opening day competition last Sunday by defending her title in Championships record.

"The 400m Freestyle is my race. There is stress for me to perform and I put pressure on myself."

The versatile Manaudou also picked up a silver from the 100 meters backstroke on Tuesday and completed the 1,500 meters freestyle final the same day.

She qualified for the 50 meters backstroke semifinals on Wednesday, but decided to withdraw in the final minutes.

"I was tired, so I gave up the 50m backstroke today. I'm happy I made the decision," said Manaudou.

The 50 meters backstroke semis was held around 15 minutes before the 200 meters final.