British Long Course Nationals: Fran Halsall Posts Top-Ranked Time; Georgia Davies Rattles British Record

SHEFFIELD, England, June 15. THE second day of racing at the British Long Course Nationals in Sheffield produced a top time in the world.

Fran Halsall dropped the hammer in the women's 100 free prelims with a top time of 53.61 before scratching finals. The swim pushed her ahead of Femke Heemskerk (53.70) for the top-ranked time in the world. Only Alicia Coutts (53.80) and Camille Muffat (53.97) have also cleared 54 seconds third year. Meanwhile, Amy Smith won the finale in 55.27, while Rebecca Turner took second in 55.52. Caitlin McClatchey completed the podium with a third-place 55.81.

Georgia Davies sprinted into third in the world in the women's 50 back with a winning time of 27.96. That effort moved her behind only Anastasia Zueva (27.78) and Aya Terakawa (27.79) this year, while also joining Gao Chang (27.98) as one of only four swimmers under 28 seconds so far. Notably, Davies just missed Gemma Spofforth's national record of 27.92 set in 2009. Ekaterina Avramova touched second in 28.88, while Jennifer Oldham grabbed third in 29.52.

Chris Walker-Hebborn posted a 1:57.20 in the men's 200 back to tie Michael Phelps for sixth in the world rankings. Marco Loughran hit the wall in 1:58.34 for second to take 14th in the rankings, while Ryan Bennett placed third in 2:00.42.

Antony James jumped to seventh in the world rankings in the men's 100 fly with a victorious time of 52.13. Meanwhile, Simon Burnett claimed second in 53.04 with Joseph Roebuck taking third overall in 53.28.

Robbie Renwick topped the men's 200 free in 1:47.46 to move to 10th in the world rankings. David Carry (1:49.48) and Jak Scott (1:49.58) wound up taking second and third.

Stacey Tadd touched out Molly Renshaw, 2:27.37 to 2:27.67, in the women's 200 breast. Hannah Miley clinched third-place honors in 2:28.95. Rachel Lefley captured the women's 50 fly in 27.38, while Lucy Worrall finished second in 27.66. Tilly Gray snared third in 27.78.

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