The US swimming team retained its Duel in the Pool title in the biennial match up with Australia’s Telstra Dolphins in Irvine, California last night. Despite closing the gap from the inaugural event in 2003, the Australian squad went down 190-102 in the dual meet format competition.
Unlike two years ago when the event suffered from a number of big name withdrawals, the Australian squad were at full strength but were let down by the performance of their men’s side in the final result. Whereas the women shaded their American counterparts 76-70, the men were out-gunned as the hosts posted an impressive wining margin of 120-26. The format undoubtedly favours the depth that the US can bring to a team event such as this, with the Americans taking the top three places in 4 events, thereby denying the Australians scoring opportunities. Nonetheless, the Australians were still able to reduce the deficit they suffered in 2003, when the USA won by 196-74.
The swim of the day came from Australia’s Leisel Jones who missed out on a world record, and a bonus of $25,000, by just one one-hundredth of a second. Her time of 1:06.21 for the 100m breaststroke was just outside the world mark set last week by Jessica Hardy, who came home second, just as she had done in the world championship final.
The meet pitted both countries’ world championship squads in a head to head competition. Up to three swimmers from each country could compete in each event, with scoring being 5-3-2-1 for the first four places home. Relays meanwhile were scored 7-0. The programme encompassed 50m, 100m and 200m events in each stroke plus 200m and 400m medleys, 400m freestyle and 400m freestyle and medley relays.
Full results are available at the Duel in the Pool website