It was an explosive first night at the Commonwealth Trials as Simon Burnett provided a glimpse of what might have been in Montreal with a British Record over 200m Freestyle. There were also noteworthy performances from four of Britain’s world championship Squad.
Burnett, who missed Montreal after suffering an illness during the selection period, carved almost half a second off his own standard as he posted 1:47.26 in the semi finals of the 200m freestyle on his way to tomorrow nights final, where he starts as the fastest qualifier. Burnett will no be aiming to dip under 1:47 and secure his place in Melbourne. Behind him, David Carry improved his personal best to 1:49.21 to post a Scottish consideration time, while David Davies set a Welsh Record in 1:50.46.
Meanwhile, Fran Halsall showed she will be a force to be reckoned with at his meet as the 15 year old led the qualifiers for the 50m freestyle final in 25.96. It will be a big step up for her to achieve the A qualifying standard however, and she would appear to have a better chance in the 100m event later in the week. Lisa Chapman also dipped under 26 seconds and was just 0.01 behind the Liverpool youngster.
Elsewhere, Kate Haywood showed she has not lost anything form her Montreal exertions, recording a swift 1:08.80 to lead the qualifiers for the 100m breaststroke final by almost two seconds while world bronze medallist Liam Tancock dipped under 26 seconds to qualify fastest for the final in 25.99. Tancock just pipped Gregor Tait who set a Scottish record of 26.15 to go through in second place.