The duel was won by the United States with a final score of 185–78, with eight short course world records broken – all by the USA team.

[1] On 21 October 2009, it was announced that a Duel in the Pool will take place between a "European select team" and the US in Manchester on 18 and 19 December 2009.

Middle-distance freestyle swimmers Joanne Jackson (GBR) and Federica Pellegrini (ITA) were originally included on the team list, however their withdrawals were announced on 4 December – Jackson due to recovering from a lung infection, and Pellegrini due to a clash with an awards dinner in Italy.

German Steffen Deibler was present on the original team list, however he withdrew from the event due to illness on 14 December[6] and was replaced by Marco Orsi of Italy.

[6] Keri-Anne Payne (GBR) was drafted into the team as a replacement for Filippi just a few days prior to the start of the competition.

[citation needed] The final team list consisted of 13 Italian, 7 German and 15 British members.

In the event of a tie, a mixed 4×50 m medley relay would have been held with a single decisive point to the winner.