Vendt, Jensen locked in 400 freestyle battle

Even without Michael Phelps in the field, the men's 400 freestyle could be the highlight of the first night of competition Sunday at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials at Qwest Center in Omaha.

Phelps decided to scratch the event before competition Sunday to focus solely on the 400 individual medley and his pursuit of another world record-swim in the championship heat.

But two of Phelps' Club Wolverine teammates, American record-holder Peter Vanderkaay and former USC standout Erik Vendt, appear headed for quite a battle.

Vanderkaay, who set the American record of 3 minutes, 43.82 at the Santa Clara Invitational in May, clocked 3:48.06 to post the fastest qualifying time. Vendt won his heat with an effort of 3:48.25 and another former USC All-American Larsen Jensen was second to Vanderkaay in the final heat in 3:48.28.

Mission Viejo High graduate Chad LaTourette, who recently completed his freshman year at Stanford, qualified fourth at 3:48.59 and USC alum Klete Keller, who held the American record of 3:44.11 -- set with his bronze medal-swim at the Athens Olympics -- until Vanderkaay broke it five weeks ago, qualified fifth at 3:49.92.

Only two swimmers in the event secure their berths on the U.S. Olympic team, which means a trio of high-profile athletes will be left disappointed.