Michael Phelps marks his return to swimming with narrow defeat by Ryan Lochte

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Michael Phelps lost in the first final of his much anticipated come-back after 20-months in retirement
The 18-time gold medalist was beaten by rival Ryan Lochte in the 100-meter butterfly final at the Arena Grand Prix
Lochte recorded a time of 51.03 seconds and Phelps was second with 52.13 seconds
Phelps' time was the fourth fastest this year
'I felt like a summer league swimmer today,' Phelps said after the race
'I felt like I should have my heat and lane written on my hand so I didn't forget it.'

Michael Phelps returned to the

Published: 00:00 EST, 25 April 2014 | Updated: 14:00 EST, 25 April 2014

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Michael Phelps marked his return to the pool after an almost two year gap with a narrow defeat to his friend and rival Ryan Lochte.

The 22-time Olympian lost to Lochte in the 100-meter butterfly final at the Arena Grand Prix on Thursday night, but still managed to post the 4th fastest time this year.

Swimming before a sellout crowd and lots of cameras, Lochte led at the turn and Phelps was second.

'Down there at the turn I kind of peeked over and I saw him and almost started smiling,' Lochte said about his longtime friend and rival.

Phelps interjected, 'Why? Because you were ahead?'

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Competitors: Michael Phelps, (right), and Ryan Lochte pose for a photo after competing in the 100-meter butterfly final during the Arena Grand Prix swim meet on Thursday, April 24, 2014, in Mesa, Arizona

Lochte touched first in 51.93 seconds, second-fastest in the world this year. Phelps took second in 52.13 in his first meet since retiring after the 2012 London Olympics.

'I swam a final again,' a smiling Phelps said. 'I said I wanted to be around 52.0 and I would be completely happy with that.'

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He is the three-time Olympic champion and current world record-holder in the event. His time tied for fourth-quickest in the world.

'It's one meet; it's one race,' Phelps said. 'It's a long way whether I decide to continue or not. This was awesome. I'm really excited about how things went. I do know what I need to do if I want to continue and swim faster.'

Michael Phelps narrowly loses to old rival Ryan Lochte

Competitive: US swimmer and Olympic medalist Michael Phelps (left) leaps from the starting blocks with US swimmer Ryan Lochte (right) in the finals of the Men's 100 Meter Butterfly, at the 2014 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series in Mesa, Arizona

Olympian Jason Dunford of Kenya finished third in 53.08.

Phelps was faster in the final than he was while winning his preliminary heat with a time of 52.84.

'My stroke was a little rushed tonight,' he said. 'It was way more relaxed this morning.'

An on-deck interviewer reminded Phelps his mother has said she wants to go to Rio for the 2016 Olympics, which would be his fifth.

'Whatever he wants,' Debbie Phelps shouted from the stands.

Phelps replied, 'Good mother.'

Like he was never gone: US swimmer and Olympic medalist Michael Phelps competes in the finals of the Men's 100 meter Butterfly at the 2014 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series in Mesa, Arizona, USA

Baltimore Bullet: Michael Phelps finished second to Ryan Lochte who won the 100-meters butterfly in Mesa, Arizona

Phelps wasn't smiling as he walked on deck for the final unlike in the prelims. He kept his ear buds in until he was introduced as an 18-time Olympic gold medalist. With his long hair sticking out from the back of his cap, he dived in next to Lochte, who beat him down to the first turn.

'I probably wouldn't have gone that time if Phelps wasn't in that pool with me. We push each other all the time,' said Lochte, who rivalry and friendship with Phelps dates to 2004.

'With what he's done for the sport of swimming and him leaving kind of broke my heart a little because I love getting on those blocks and racing him. Now that he's back I've got a big ol' smile on my face.'

Lochte is trying to regain his own form after missing five months with a knee injury. He changed coaches and relocated from Florida to Charlotte, N.C., after the London Games.

Finish: Michael Phelps, (left), congratulates Ryan Lochte on Lochte's win in the 100-meter butterfly final during the Arena Grand Prix, Thursday, April 24, 2014, in Mesa, Arizona

Good to have you back: US swimmer and Olympic medalist Michael Phelps (left) congratulates US swimmer Ryan Lochte (right) after the finals of the Men's 100 Meter Butterfly

Rivals: Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte leave the pool deck after competing in the 100-meter butterfly final

How does it feel? US swimmer and Olympic medalist Michael Phelps (right) answers questions during a post-race interview with former US swimmer Rowdy Gaines (center) as US swimmer Ryan Lochte (left) looks on

Coach Bob Bowman said Phelps was better technically in the morning than at night.

'He missed a whole stroke on the turn,' Bowman said. 'My expectations were he would come and maybe enjoy it and not be terrible, so all those were met. That's a really good time to start with.'

Phelps said 'that may have been the worst turn that I have ever done in my entire life.'

Next up for Phelps is the 50 freestyle on Friday, when he will swim the prelims doing the butterfly stroke for training.

Earlier Thursday, retired speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno, the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian, tweeted good luck to Phelps, saying, 'Excited to see you back brother.'

Back in the game: Michael Phelps addresses the media after the men's 100m butterfly final at the 2014 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series at Skyline Aquatic Center

The three-day meet sold out every session the day his comeback was announced last week, with a capacity of 1,200 at Skyline Aquatic Center. A pair of $40 all-session tickets was being advertised online for $250. USA Swimming issued 100 media credentials - five times more than usual.

The possible future of American swimming with the same first name as Phelps finished second in the C final of the 100 fly. Michael Andrew, a 15-year-old from Lawrence, Kan., was runner-up to Olympian Matt Grevers. He has broken more than 30 national age-group records and last June became the youngest U.S. male swimmer to turn pro. He was excited to meet his idol Phelps on Wednesday.

'Swimming needs you!' he tweeted after they traded handshakes. 'You rock!'

Both of Phelps' times were easily good enough to surpass the qualifying standard of 54.79 for the U.S. national championships in August. That meet will decide the team for next year's world championships.

'One step at a time,' he said in the morning.

All eyes on him: American hero Michael Phelps was nonplussed by the cameras as he prepared for the start of the Men's 100 Meter Butterfly Prelims at the 2014 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series on Thursday

Phelps, who was quick off the starting blocks, appeared to be in good form despite the long break

Comeback: Michael Phelps set the fastest time in the 100m butterfly heats

Earlier in the day, Phelps had made an ominous start in his comeback to competitive swimming on Thursday, setting the fastest time in the 100 metres butterfly heats at a USA Swimming Grand Prix meet in suburban Phoenix.

Racing for the first time since he retired in a blaze of glory after the 2012 London Olympics with a staggering career total of 18 gold medals, a relaxed Phelps cruised to victory in 52.84 seconds.

His time was well outside the world record of 49.82 seconds he set at the 2009 world championships but still safely under the qualifying time for this year's U.S. national championships, which double as the selection event for next year's world titles in Russia.

Phelps and his coach Bob Bowman were both reluctant to talk about their long term goals when they appeared at a packed news conference on the eve of his comeback but they did not rule out the possibility of competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Unshaven and still seven pounds (three kilograms) over his ideal racing weight, Phelps had planned to swim in three events at his comeback meet but ditched the 100m freestyle to focus on the 100m butterfly and Friday's 50m freestyle.