Jemma Simpson masters her finishing touch in Crystal Palace

LIGHTNING struck twice for Jemma Simpson at the Aviva London Crystal Palace Prix on Friday - and the British 800m champion refused to rule out completing at hat-trick in Berlin next month.

OUT IN FRONT: Jemma Simpson takes 800m victory in Crystal Palace in similar fashion to her victory in Birmingham earlier this month

The 25-year-old timed her finish to perfection to underline her position as the number one Brit with a second victory over rivals Marilyn Okoro and Jenny Meadows in south London.

Just as was the case at the World Trials, Okoro set the pace after 400m and had her nose in front with 200m to go, but Simpson finished the stronger and took victory in 2:01.08 minutes.

 And Simpson insists she's getting better with every race as the countdown to Berlin gathers pace.

"I feel really strong at the moment. It was a bit windy so the times weren't amazing," she said.

"But I'm feeling stronger and stronger with every single race. Hopefully I can take this form and confidence into Berlin.

"It was great to have the three of us finishing on the podium and we can all use this experience to take into the Worlds.

"It was not my best tactical race. I got boxed at the bell. But I felt really strong. I am strong enough to run it a different way now - I can come home strong. I am pleased with that.

"I wanted to run a bit quicker but I have trained hard this week.

"I am racing in Monaco next week so will hopefully run quicker. My coach Mark Rowland told me to treat this race like a heat or a semi of the World Champs and then run quicker next week so that is going to be the plan."

Simpson's winning time was notably down on Anna Alminova's fastest time of the year of 1:57.86m earlier this week.

She remains the quickest Brit this year however, while Okoro, who eneded up third in Crystal Palace behind Meadows, has also ducked under the two-minute mark - clocking 1:59.6m in Paris.

And the Shaftsbury Barnet athlete is adamant she will top the British pile when it matters most next month.

"I think it was a really good field and a good simulation of what's going to happen in Berlin," added Okoro. "I was lacking some speed in my legs so it would've been nice to have a pace-setter.

"I still think I'm the top Brit. Looking forward, I wouldn't mind tapering down now for Berlin. I'll maybe squeeze in a sneaky 400m but I want to focus on coming good for the Worlds."