Michael Phelps, back from his DUI suspension, and Ryan Lochte, back from a knee injury and flirtation with celebrity, went head-to-head at the Arena Pro Swim in Mesa, Ariz. recently and split the difference.

Phelps edged Lochte in the 100-meter freestyle April 16. Lochte finished first, and Phelps third, in the 200-meter individual medley April 18.

“Like old times,” Lochte said.

Theirs is a most interesting rivalry, most companionable. It helps that they have complementary personalities – Lochte being more laidback and Phelps more intense, at least on the surface – and that the superb Lochte is nonetheless not quite in Phelps’ league. And yet that has never fazed Ryan. He keeps coming after him. ...