FRAN HALSALL found herself in the unaccustomed position of being pipped by Jemma Lowe on the first night of finals at the British Gas ASA National Championships in Sheffield.
Halsall led from the start of the 100m butterfly to the final stroke, where she was edged out by 0.01secs by Lowe and denied a spot in this event at next moth’s World Championships in Shanghai.
The Southport swimmer went out quickly, but was edged out on the final touch in 57.43 to join Melbourne-based Ellen Gandy on the team.
Halsall, who had ankle surgery in December, will now concentrate on the sprint freestyle events in China.
She said: “That was a good swim for me. I haven’t swum that quickly in a long time.
“To be 57.4 now after the year I’ve had I’ll take it any day.
“I love the freestyle and it was just coming here seeing if I could get the butterfly as well.
“Now I am back in freestyle mode for the worlds.
“I am a bit disappointed but these things happen don’t they?”
It was a first personal best for Lowe who joined Swansea ITC following last year’s Commonwealth Games after a spell in Florida.
She said: “I am so surprised I managed to win.
“I usually lose out in close races. It has been a good day for my family.
“My sister went to the X-Factor auditions in Manchester and got four yeses from the judges.
“I am just really happy with the time, I haven’t done a PB for three years so it’s such a good feeling.”
Liverpool’s Michael Rock won the 200m butterfly (1:57.35).
