Beijing Olympics eight-time winner Michael Phelps set a modest goal of making the U.S. world championship team this week.

The US Swimming Championships, selection meet for the World Championships in Rome July 26-Aug 2, will kick off on Tuesday.

In order to book his ticket to Rome and his fifth world championships, Phelps must place among the top two in each event at the Natatorium in Indianapolis.

"It doesn't matter to me if I'm the favorite or I'm not," Phelps told reporters on Monday.

"I have to make the team before I decide anything. Bob (coach Bob Bowman) and I just wanted to get here and see where we stand," he said.

Phelps will contest in the 100 and 200 meters freestyle and 100 and 200m butterfly.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2009)