Peirsol advances to final

ROME — Aaron Peirsol’s second semifinal backstroke event at the FINA World Championships turned out better than the first.

The former Newport Harbor High standout advanced out of the semifinals of the 200-meter backstroke with a meet record in the first heat of 1 minute, 54.06 seconds.

Peirsol redeemed himself after failing to qualify for the 100-meter backstroke finals earlier in the week.

Peirsol, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 100 back, was the three-time defending world champion in the event.

Peirsol is the top seed going into today’s 200-meter final.

— From staff reports